Safety and emergencies in Valencia

• Immediate danger, an accident or a serious illness: call 112.
• Store card and insurance details securely and separately.
• Stay alert in crowds and on public transport, and follow beach safety notices.
• For non-urgent health questions, ask your accommodation, a pharmacy or a doctor.

In the event of an accident, fire, sudden illness or immediate danger, you can reach the police, fire service and ambulance service in Spain by calling 112. The call is free. First explain what has happened and where you are; give the street, building number, a nearby landmark or your location on a map, and answer any questions calmly. If it is difficult to communicate, give brief details and ask someone nearby to help. The Generalitat Valenciana publishes current regional emergency information on its official website: 112 Comunitat Valenciana.

For non-life-threatening concerns, a pharmacy, your accommodation or a medical facility can help. For information about doctors, pharmacies and insurance, see the full guide Healthcare in Valencia. If you have one, take your European Health Insurance Card and insurance details with you; check in advance what additional cover your travel insurance provides. In an emergency, don’t spend time looking for a particular clinic—call 112.

Carry only as much cash as you need for the day, and keep a second payment method separately. Don’t write your PIN down with your card. If you lose a card, block it through your bank or your provider’s card-blocking service, and store the number securely before your trip. An encrypted or otherwise protected copy of important document details can be useful; avoid keeping complete documents unprotected in publicly accessible cloud folders.

If something is stolen or lost, note the time and place, keep any relevant receipts or other evidence, and contact the local police. If you lose your passport, the embassy or consulate can advise you on what to do next. Ask your accommodation about a secure place to keep original documents. If an incident happens while you’re out, go somewhere well-lit and busy, and ask an official service or reputable staff member for help.

Stay alert at stops and while getting on and off the metro, bus and tram. Plan your route and return journey before heading into a crowd; practical information about routes and transfers is available at Getting around Valencia. During major festivals, markets or sporting events, crowds, route changes and road closures can affect how things run. For specific dates, check Festivals and events and Football and match days.

At the beach, follow the current flag warnings and instructions from lifeguards. A red flag means stay out of the water. Currents, wind and waves can be difficult to judge from the shore. In hot weather, seek shade, drink fluids and limit your time in direct sun. When visiting the natural parks around Valencia, be sure to bring water and a charged phone, and plan a realistic return route. The Valencia weather forecast explains why it’s important to check the latest forecast before outdoor activities.

Save your accommodation address, insurance details and an emergency contact offline. Download maps of the city and keep some charge in reserve on your phone or power bank. If you have no connection, ask someone nearby for help or go to a hotel reception, tourist information office or police station. For information about Wi-Fi and mobile service, see Internet and mobile service in Valencia.

If you feel uncomfortable, leave the situation, stay in a public place and contact someone you trust. It’s also useful to have a backup card when paying; find tips in the article Paying in Valencia. Find restaurants and popular places to take a break via Food and drink in Valencia; Shopping in Valencia covers shops and markets.

What number should I call in an emergency?

In Spain, 112 is the emergency number for medical emergencies, fires, accidents and immediate danger. The call is free.

What should I do if my passport is stolen?

Contact the local police, then ask your embassy or consulate about the replacement process.

What should I do if I lose my card?

Block the card immediately through your bank or card provider and use a backup payment method kept separately.

What should I do at the beach?

Follow the flags and lifeguards’ instructions. Don’t swim when the red flag is flying; if the weather changes, leave the beach if advised to do so.

Where should I go with non-urgent health questions?

Ask a pharmacy, your accommodation or a medical provider. In immediate danger, call 112.