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Emergency phone numbers at the Triple Border
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie GrellmannUpdated on PortuguêsEspañol
Police, fire and medical emergency in Foz do Iguaçu, Puerto Iguazú and Ciudad del Este
In Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu), the numbers are 190 (Military Police), 192 (SAMU) and 193 (Firefighters). In Argentina (Puerto Iguazú), use 911 (emergency center) or 101 (police), 100 for fire and 107 for medical emergency. In Paraguay (Ciudad del Este), use 911 (National Police), 132 (Volunteer Firefighters) and 134 (medical emergency/SEME). The numbers change when you cross the bridge.
Quick answer: In the Triple Border, emergency numbers vary by country: Brazil uses 190 (police), 192 (SAMU medical), 193 (fire); Argentina uses 911 (central emergency), 101 (police), 100 (fire), 107 (SAME medical); Paraguay uses 911 (police), 132 (fire), 141 (SEME medical). All calls are free and operate 24/7. Save all three sets before crossing borders.
Direct answer: In the Triple Border, the emergency numbers are: Brazil, Police 190, SAMU 192, Fire 193; Argentina, Central 911, Police 101, Fire 100, SAME 107; Paraguay, Police 911, Fire 132, SEME 141. All are toll-free and operate 24/7. Save the three sets before crossing the border.
In the Triple Border, each side of the bridge has its own emergency number. What works in Foz do Iguaçu does not automatically work in Puerto Iguazú or Ciudad del Este. Save the three sets on your phone before crossing.
Brazil: Foz do Iguaçu
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Military Police | 190 |
| SAMU (medical emergency) | 192 |
| Fire Department | 193 |
| Civil Defense | 199 |
According to the State Public Security Secretariat, these are the official urgency and emergency numbers in Brazil. Calls are free and operate 24 hours. Through the same central, foreigners can also complete emergency calls using 112 (used by visitors from Europe) and 911 (used by visitors from the United States) when dialing from their own mobile phones.
Argentina: Puerto Iguazú
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency Center (police/ambulance) | 911 |
| Police (direct line) | 101 |
| Firefighters | 100 |
| Medical emergency (SAME) | 107 |
| Civil Defense | 103 |
| Maritime/river emergency (Naval Prefecture) | 106 |
| Gender violence | 144 |
The official portal Argentina.gob.ar confirms 911 as the national emergency center (ambulances and police), 100 for fires, 103 for civil defense, 106 for nautical emergencies (Naval Prefecture) and 144 for gender-based violence. 107 is the medical emergency service (SAME). In Puerto Iguazú, the official tourism page lists 101 for police, 100 for fire and 107 for the hospital; when in doubt, 911 centralizes the response. Calls are free.
Paraguay: Ciudad del Este
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| National Police | 911 |
| Volunteer Firefighters (CBVP) | 132 |
| Medical emergency (SEME) | 134 |
The Ministry of Health of Paraguay (MSPBS) confirms that in an emergency you should call 911 (National Police), 132 (Volunteer Firefighters) and 141 (Extra-hospital Medical Emergency Service, SEME). Calls are free from mobile or landline phones.
Tips for crossing the border
- Write down the three sets. Brazil's 190 is not the same as Argentina's or Paraguay's 911.
- Roaming. When you change country, your phone may switch carriers. In emergencies, numbers usually work even without credit or a local plan, but verify with your carrier before traveling.
- Identify yourself. When you call, always state the country, the city and a reference point (bridge, avenue, hotel). Each center only serves its own country.
- Language. In Foz the service is in Portuguese; in Puerto Iguazú and Ciudad del Este it is in Spanish.
Emergency numbers may be updated by authorities. If in doubt, always consult the official website of each country: Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
Source: Argentina.gob.ar, Emergencias
Frequently asked questions
- What is the police number in each border country?
- In Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu), 190 for the Military Police. In Argentina (Puerto Iguazú), 911 (emergency center) or 101 (direct police line). In Paraguay (Ciudad del Este), 911 for the National Police.
- How do I call an ambulance in the three countries?
- In Brazil, 192 (SAMU). In Argentina, 107 (SAME) or 911. In Paraguay, 141 (SEME) or 911.
- Does Brazil's 190 work in Argentina or Paraguay?
- No. Each country has its own number and each center only serves its own territory. When crossing the bridge, use the number of the country you are in.
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Content verified by the newsroom based on an official source: Argentina.gob.ar — Emergencias. Last checked: 8/24/2026. Found something inaccurate? We fix it fast. How we work.
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