113 Emergency Number - International Guide
113 is used as an emergency number in several countries including Italy (medical emergencies/police), Netherlands (police non-emergency), Peru (police), Slovenia (police), and China (transportation police). Each country assigns different emergency services to this number, and many countries are transitioning to unified emergency systems.
113 as an Emergency Number Around the World
While most people are familiar with emergency numbers like 911 in the United States or 112 in the European Union, the number 113 serves as an important emergency or service number in several countries worldwide. Understanding its function in different regions is essential for travelers, expatriates, and anyone interested in international emergency response systems.
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of where 113 is used and what services it connects to:
| Country | Service Connected to 113 | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | State Police (Polizia di Stato) / Medical Emergencies | Active, but transitioning to 112 |
| Netherlands | Police (non-emergency) | Active |
| Peru | National Police | Active |
| Slovenia | Police | Active |
| China | Transportation Police | Active |
| Taiwan | Medical Services | Active alongside 119 |
| South Korea | National Intelligence Service | Active |
Important Travel Information
Emergency numbers can change as countries update their systems, and some regions may be in transition. When traveling, it's advisable to verify the current emergency numbers for your destination. Many countries now support both traditional local emergency numbers and international standards like 112 (Europe) or 911.
113 in Italy: A Detailed Look
In Italy, 113 has traditionally been one of the primary emergency numbers, specifically for contacting the State Police (Polizia di Stato) and medical emergencies. Let's examine how this system works in Italy:
Historical Context
The 113 emergency number has been used in Italy for decades as the direct line to the State Police. It was established as part of Italy's emergency response infrastructure to handle urgent police matters, public safety concerns, and certain medical emergencies.
Current Status and Transition
Italy, as a member of the European Union, has been gradually transitioning to the EU-wide emergency number 112 (Numero Unico di Emergenza Europeo). However, this transition varies by region:
- In some regions like Lombardy, Piedmont, and Sicily, the 112 system has been fully implemented, centralizing all emergency calls
- In other regions, the traditional numbers including 113 (police), 115 (fire brigade), and 118 (medical emergencies) remain active
- During this transition period, both 112 and 113 are operational in many areas
How 113 Works in Italy
When calling 113 in Italy:
- Calls are directed to the nearest State Police operations center
- Operators are trained to handle emergencies and can dispatch police officers
- In regions with the 112 unified system, 113 calls may be automatically redirected to the 112 center
- The service is available 24/7 and is toll-free
- Operators predominantly speak Italian, though some may speak English in tourist areas
When to Call 113 in Italy
Situations where calling 113 is appropriate include:
- Reporting a crime in progress
- Reporting suspicious activities that may threaten public safety
- Requesting police assistance in emergency situations
- Reporting serious accidents
- Situations requiring immediate police presence
For Tourists in Italy
Tourists visiting Italy should be aware that while 113 is still operational, calling the EU-wide 112 emergency number is increasingly becoming the standard practice. Both numbers are typically free to call, even from mobile phones without a SIM card or with no credit.
113 in the Netherlands: Police Non-Emergency Line
In the Netherlands, 113 serves a different purpose than in Italy. It's not the primary emergency number but rather a non-emergency police line:
Function and Purpose
The 113 number in the Netherlands is designed for non-urgent police matters that still require attention. This helps separate urgent emergencies (handled through 112) from matters that need police assistance but aren't time-critical.
When to Use 113 in the Netherlands
Appropriate situations for calling 113 include:
- Reporting suspicious situations that aren't immediate emergencies
- Filing non-urgent police reports
- Seeking police advice or information
- Reporting minor incidents like bicycle theft or property damage
- Contacting police for administrative matters
Alternative Numbers in the Netherlands
The Dutch emergency system includes several important numbers:
- 112: Main emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance in urgent situations
- 113: Non-emergency police line
- 0900-8844: Another non-emergency police number (0900-TUIG)
- 0800-7000: Anonymous crime reporting line
It's worth noting that there has sometimes been confusion in the Netherlands as a suicide prevention hotline formerly used the number 0900-0113, and was sometimes referred to as "113." This has since been changed to avoid confusion.
113 in Other Countries
113 in Peru
In Peru, 113 connects callers directly to the Peruvian National Police (Policía Nacional del Perú). It serves as one of the country's main emergency lines for police-related matters:
- Used for reporting crimes, suspicious activities, and emergencies requiring police intervention
- Available 24/7 throughout the country
- Operated by the Peruvian National Police force
- Complements other emergency numbers like 106 (firefighters) and 117 (ambulance)
113 in Slovenia
Slovenia uses 113 as its police emergency number:
- Connects directly to police emergency services
- Operates alongside 112, which is for medical emergencies and fire services
- Calls are managed by regional police dispatch centers
- Available in Slovenian and often in English and other languages in tourist areas
113 in China
In China, 113 is specifically for the Transportation Police:
- Used for reporting issues related to transportation, traffic violations, and accidents
- Part of China's specialized emergency number system that includes:
- 110: General police emergencies
- 119: Fire department
- 120: Medical emergencies
- 113: Transportation police
- Primarily operates in Mandarin Chinese
113 in South Korea
In South Korea, 113 connects to the National Intelligence Service's anti-cyber and telecommunication crimes center:
- Used for reporting cyber crimes, voice phishing, and telecommunications fraud
- Different from the general emergency number 112 (police) or 119 (fire/medical)
- Focuses specifically on technology-related crimes and national security concerns
Global Emergency Number Systems and 113's Place
Emergency numbers vary widely across the globe, reflecting different historical developments, administrative structures, and regional preferences. Understanding how 113 fits into these systems provides valuable context:
Major Global Emergency Number Systems
Europe
- 112: EU-wide emergency number
- 113: Police in several countries
- Country-specific: UK (999), France (15, 17, 18)
- Trend toward unified systems
Americas
- 911: Primary in USA, Canada, Mexico
- 113: Police in Peru
- Varied systems in Latin America
- Increasing standardization to 911
Asia
- Highly varied systems
- 113: Used in China, Taiwan, South Korea
- Multiple service-specific numbers common
- Language barriers can be significant
Africa & Middle East
- Mixed systems, often reflecting colonial influence
- 112: Increasing adoption
- 999: Common in former British territories
- Rural access sometimes limited
The Trend Toward Unified Emergency Numbers
There is a global trend toward establishing unified emergency numbers that connect to integrated emergency services. This approach offers several advantages:
- Simplicity: One number to remember for all emergencies
- Efficiency: Centralized dispatch and coordination between services
- Consistency: Easier for travelers and international visitors
- Reduced confusion: Eliminates uncertainty about which number to call
In this context, while 113 remains important in several countries, many are gradually incorporating it into unified systems like 112 (Europe) or 911 (Americas).
Calling Emergency Numbers While Traveling
Understanding how to effectively use emergency numbers like 113 while traveling internationally can be crucial in crisis situations:
Tips for International Travelers
- Research before you go: Before traveling to a new country, research the local emergency numbers, including whether 113 is used
- Save numbers in your phone: Program local emergency numbers into your phone under easily recognizable names
- Know the service: Understand what service each number connects to (police, medical, fire)
- Learn basic phrases: Know how to describe an emergency in the local language
- Use a translation app: Have a translation app ready for emergency communication
- Understand cellular requirements: Know that most countries allow emergency calls even from locked phones or phones without service
Calling 113 from a Foreign Phone
When calling emergency numbers like 113 from a foreign phone:
- Dial the number directly without any country code (just 113)
- Most countries allow emergency calls without a SIM card or with no credit
- In areas with poor coverage, emergency calls may connect even when regular calls cannot
- Be prepared to state your location clearly, as emergency services may not have automatic location information for foreign phones
Know Your Location
When calling emergency services abroad, knowing your precise location is crucial. Unlike domestic calls, which often transmit location data automatically, international emergency calls may not provide dispatchers with your location. Be prepared to describe where you are using landmarks, street names, or GPS coordinates if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I call 113 in a country where it's not an emergency number?
If you call 113 in a country where it's not designated as an emergency or service number, several things might happen:
- You might reach a regular telephone subscriber if 113 is a valid phone number in that area
- You might get an error message indicating the number is not in service
- In some countries, emergency numbers from other nations (like 112 or 911) are redirected to the local emergency services, but this is less common for specialized numbers like 113
Can I call 113 from a mobile phone without service or credit?
In most countries where 113 is an official emergency number, you can call it from a mobile phone even without service or credit. Emergency calls are prioritized in the telecommunications system and bypass normal service restrictions. However, this specifically applies to designated emergency numbers, so in countries where 113 is not an emergency number but rather a service line (like in the Netherlands), this exception might not apply. For universal access, the numbers 112 and 911 are more widely recognized as emergency-only numbers that can be dialed from phones without service.
Does calling 113 cost money?
In countries where 113 is designated as an official emergency number, calls to this number are typically free of charge, regardless of the type of phone or service plan you have. However, in countries where 113 is a non-emergency service number (like the Netherlands' police non-emergency line), standard call charges might apply. It's important to note that genuine emergency numbers are always free to call, as access to emergency services is considered a critical public service. If you're uncertain about potential costs, it's best to check with local authorities or your service provider.
What languages are supported when calling 113 in different countries?
Language support for 113 calls varies by country:
- Italy: Primarily Italian, with English often available in tourist areas and major cities
- Netherlands: Dutch is the primary language, but English is widely spoken by operators
- Peru: Spanish is the main language, with limited English support in tourist regions
- Slovenia: Slovenian is the primary language, with English support increasing, especially in urban and tourist areas
- China: Mandarin Chinese is the standard, with very limited English support except in major international cities
- South Korea: Korean is the primary language, with some English support in the Seoul metropolitan area
Is 113 replacing other emergency numbers in countries where it's used?
No, 113 is not generally replacing other emergency numbers. In fact, the opposite trend is occurring in many countries. Many nations are moving toward unified emergency systems using numbers like 112 (in Europe) or 911 (in North and parts of South America). For example, in Italy, while 113 continues to function as the police emergency number, the country is gradually transitioning to the European standard 112 unified emergency system. Similarly, other countries that use 113 for specific services are often maintaining it alongside broader emergency numbers or incorporating it into unified systems. The global trend is toward simplification and unification of emergency services, rather than proliferation of different numbers for different services.