Emergency Numbers & Contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency (Police, Fire Department, Ambulance) | 911 |
| Red Cross | 128 |
| Traffic Police (Tránsito) | 2222-9330 |
| Tourist Police (ICT) | 800-8887-4766 |
| SINAC (National Parks, Park Emergencies) | 1192 |
| German Embassy San José | +506 2290-9091 |
| Austrian Embassy (Hon. Consulate) | +506 2296-1009 |
| Swiss Embassy San José | +506 2221-4829 |
Important Notes
- 911 works throughout Costa Rica, even without a SIM card. Spanish-speaking operators, some English-speaking.
- The Red Cross (Cruz Roja) is the main rescue organization — it operates most ambulances. In rural areas, response time can be 30+ minutes.
- Police stations are found in all major towns. In tourist areas (Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, Tamarindo), there are special tourist police with English-speaking staff.
- In case of car theft or burglary: file a police report (Denuncia) with the OIJ (Organismo de Investigación Judicial) — without this report, insurance will not pay.