Emergency Numbers — What to Know
The Netherlands uses 112 for all emergencies — police, fire, and ambulance. Operators answer in Dutch first but switch to English immediately on request; Amsterdam's 112 centre handles English calls routinely. 0900 8844 is the non-emergency police line for reporting crimes after the fact. Ambulance response times in Amsterdam average 10–15 minutes. The Politie (Dutch police) patrol tourist areas visibly, especially around Dam Square, Centraal Station, and the Red Light District.
Non-Emergency Resources
For non-emergency medical care, the Huisartsenpost (GP post) provides after-hours doctor consultations — call 0900 1515 in Amsterdam. Pharmacies (apotheken) are common; the Lairesse Apotheek (De Lairessestraat 40) is open extended hours. For dental emergencies, ACTA Dental Clinic at VU University handles urgent cases. The GGD Amsterdam (020 555 5911) provides public health services, including STI clinics and travel health advice. Most consulates are in The Hague, but several countries maintain consular offices in Amsterdam.
Emergency Phrases
| English | Local |
|---|---|
| Help! | Help!HELP |
| Call an ambulance | Bel een ambulancebell ayn ahm-boo-LAHN-seh |
| I need a doctor | Ik heb een dokter nodigick hep ayn DOCK-ter NOH-dikh |
| Where is the hospital? | Waar is het ziekenhuis?vahr iss het ZEE-ken-house |
| Fire! | Brand!brahnt |
| Police! | Politie!poh-LEE-tsee |
Practical Tips for Tourists
Amsterdam's main hospital is Amsterdam UMC (two locations: AMC in Zuidoost and VUmc in Buitenveldert). The OLVG (Oost and West locations) is closer to the city centre and handles a high volume of tourist emergencies. English is spoken fluently by nearly all medical staff in Amsterdam. Dutch hospital emergency departments use a triage system; non-urgent cases are redirected to the huisartsenpost.
Dutch SIMs from KPN, T-Mobile, or Vodafone are available at Schiphol Airport and electronics shops. EU SIMs work at domestic rates. Emergency calls (112) connect from any phone. Amsterdam has extensive free Wi-Fi in public transport (GVB), libraries, and most hospitality venues.
Bicycle theft is Amsterdam's most common property crime — lock rentals with two locks. Pickpocketing occurs around Centraal Station, Dam Square, and in crowded markets. The Politie station at Beursstraat 33 in the city centre handles tourist reports. Drug-related medical emergencies are treated without legal consequences — always call 112; paramedics need to know what was consumed.
🇳🇱 See all Netherlands emergency numbers
