It can always happen that larger problems arise while on vacation. Accidents, whether at home or while traveling by car, may require a quick response. Fortunately, we have never had to call an ambulance, but if you do, here are the most important pieces of information:
Knowing the right emergency numbers can save lives. Here’s a quick guide to essential contacts:
- Police: 155
- Fire Department: 199
- Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 112
- Forest Fire: 177
- Civil Defense: 101
- Coastguard: 158
- Drug-Related Emergency: 156
- Electricity Emergency: 188
Key Tips:
- Dial directly from local phones.
- From international phones, use +90 392 before the number.
- Always provide your exact location and details of the emergency.
For hospital contacts, late-night pharmacies, and safety tips, keep reading.
Main Emergency Numbers
Police, Fire, and Medical Services
Northern Cyprus provides round-the-clock emergency lines for various services, ensuring help is always just a call away:
| Emergency Service | Number | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Police Emergency | 155 | 24/7 |
| Fire Department | 199 | 24/7 |
| Ambulance/Medical | 112 | 24/7 |
| Forest Fire | 177 | 24/7 |
| Civil Defense | 101 | 24/7 |
| Coastguard | 158 | 24/7 |
| Drug-Related Emergency | 156 | 24/7 |
Keep these numbers handy for quick access during emergencies.
How to Call Emergency Services
Here’s how to connect with emergency services based on your phone type:
-
From a Local Phone:
Dial the emergency number directly (e.g., 155 for police). For non-emergency calls, add the prefix 0392 before the 7-digit number. -
From an International Phone:
Dial the country code 0090, followed by the area code 392, and then the 7-digit local number.
Helpful Tips When Calling:
- Speak clearly and stay calm.
- Provide your exact location.
- Explain the emergency in detail.
- Follow the operator’s instructions.
- Stay on the line until they tell you to hang up.
For power-related emergencies, you can reach the electrical emergency line at 188, which connects you directly to technicians ready to assist.
Save these numbers in both your phone and on paper for easy access.
Health Emergency Contacts
Hospital Numbers
Here’s a list of key state and private hospitals by region:
State Hospitals:
| City | Hospital Name | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Nicosia | Dr. Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital | +90 392 223 2441 |
| Kyrenia | Dr. Akcicek State Hospital | +90 392 815 2266 |
| Famagusta | Famagusta State Hospital | +90 392 630 8900 |
| Morphou | Lefke Cengiz Topel Hospital | +90 392 723 6351 |
Private Hospitals:
| Hospital Name | City | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Near East University Hospital | Nicosia | +90 392 444 0535 |
| Kolan British Hospital | Nicosia | +90 392 680 8080 |
| Medical Port Hospital | Kyrenia | +90 392 815 0800 |
| Cyprus Central Hospital | Famagusta | +90 392 366 5085 |
Note: Emergency services in accident and emergency departments are free for international tourists.
Late-Night Pharmacies
For urgent medication needs, 24-hour pharmacies are available. Below are some key locations:
Nicosia (Lefkosa):
- Baysal Eczanesi: Located on Mustafa Kıbrıslı Street; Contact: 825 1903
- Umut Öksüz Eczanesi: Near Lemar in Küçük Kaymaklı; Contact: 444 8688
Kyrenia (Girne):
- Setenay Bengisu Eczanesi: On Semih Sancar Street; Contact: 816 0082
- Soyerler 1 Eczanesi: On Naci Talat Street; Contact: 114 8412
Famagusta (Magusa):
- Uzay Eczanesi: On İsmet İnönü Boulevard; Contact: 365 5656
- Kudret Eczanesi: On Vatan Street; Contact: 397 7000
Basic Turkish Medical Terms
Knowing a few Turkish medical phrases can make a big difference in emergencies. Here are some useful ones:
| English | Turkish | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I need a doctor | Doktora ihtiyacım var | dok-TO-ra ee-tee-YA-jum var |
| I need a hospital | Hastaneye ihtiyacım var | has-ta-NE-ye ee-tee-YA-jum var |
| I have a fever | Ateşim var | a-TE-shim var |
| I have pain | Ağrım var | AH-rum var |
| Where is the nearest pharmacy? | En yakın eczane nerede? | en ya-KUN ej-za-NE ne-RE-de |
Emergency Medical Phrases:
- For immediate help: "İmdat!" or "Yardım!"
- To call an ambulance: "Ambulans çağır!"
- For allergies: "…e alerjim var"
Safety and Support Numbers
Beyond the key emergency numbers, here are additional contacts to help you navigate local safety and support in Northern Cyprus.
Police Stations and Tourist Assistance
While Northern Cyprus doesn’t have a specific tourist helpline, the local police are available to assist both residents and visitors. For immediate police help, dial 155 from any phone.
Here are the direct numbers for major police stations:
| City | Police Station Number |
|---|---|
| Nicosia (Lefkosa) | +90 392 228 3311 |
| Kyrenia (Girne) | +90 392 815 2125 |
| Famagusta (Gazimagusa) | +90 392 366 5310 |
| Güzelyurt | +90 392 714 2140 |
| İskele | +90 392 371 2333 |
If you need international assistance, embassy contacts are listed below.
Embassy Emergency Contacts
For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia offers 24/7 emergency assistance. However, their capacity to assist in Turkish Cypriot areas is limited.
U.S. Embassy Emergency Numbers:
- During Regular Hours: +357 22-393939
- After Hours: +357 22-393939 (follow the recorded instructions and press 0)
"The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in this area." – Travel.State.Gov
Additional Safety Tips
- Register with STEP: Signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ensures you’ll receive security updates and makes it easier to get help in emergencies.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance: It’s wise to purchase this before traveling to Northern Cyprus.
- Car Accidents: If you’re involved in a car accident, don’t move the vehicles until the police arrive.
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Additional Emergency Contacts
When you’re in Northern Cyprus, having access to the right emergency contacts can save you a lot of trouble. Here are some key resources to help you handle unexpected situations effectively.
Road and Car Help
If you run into car trouble, Sönmez Transport & Recovery provides 24/7 roadside assistance with real-time GPS tracking, helping to cut down wait times by about 40%.
Important roadside assistance contact:
- Sönmez Road Assistance: +90 533 844 9494
What to do in a vehicle emergency:
- Stay put after an accident until the police arrive.
- Take photos to document the scene.
- Share details with others involved.
- If you’re in a rental car, notify the rental company right away.
Power Emergency Lines
Power outages are not uncommon in Northern Cyprus, so it’s handy to have utility emergency numbers on hand.
Electricity emergency contact:
- Kibtek Electricity Emergencies (Nicosia/Lefkosa): (+90 392) 228 55 55 or 6000900
Lost Card Services
If you lose your credit or debit card, act quickly by contacting your bank. Both Visa and MasterCard provide 24/7 global assistance.
Steps to take if your card is lost or stolen:
- Call your bank immediately.
- Use global assistance numbers for support.
- Request a replacement card.
- Arrange for an emergency cash advance if necessary.
These services include:
- Emergency card replacement
- Temporary card blocking
- Emergency cash advances
- Multilingual support
Emergency Planning Guide
In addition to the emergency numbers listed earlier, having a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference in a crisis. Preparation is key.
Emergency Supply List
Pack essential items in waterproof bags and store them in a lightweight container:
- Medical supplies: First aid kit, prescription medications, spare glasses or contacts
- Important documents: Passport, insurance cards, and embassy contacts (keep in a waterproof container)
- Communication tools: Charged power bank, phone charger, and a battery-powered radio
- Basic items: Flashlight, extra batteries, emergency blanket, and dust mask
- Survival essentials: Water, high-calorie snacks, multi-tool, and waterproof matches
- Financial backup: Small stash of cash and a backup credit card
For extended stays, prepare a more robust home kit that includes:
- A three-day water supply (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food items
- Manual can opener
- Basic tools like a wrench and pliers
- Local maps
- NOAA Weather Radio for weather updates
Emergency Updates
Staying informed is crucial during emergencies. Use these methods to access reliable updates:
- Monitor local news and follow official social media accounts for real-time information
- Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts
You can also rely on resources like the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System, official authority websites, and weather services. Always adhere to guidance from local authorities.
Communication Backup Plan
Ensure you have a backup communication plan in place:
- Save emergency contacts under "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) on your phone
- Set up check-in protocols with family members
- Download offline maps for navigation
- Refer to the Health Emergency Contacts section for basic Turkish phrases to assist in communication
Quick Reference Summary
Here’s a handy guide to emergency contacts across Northern Cyprus:
General Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police Emergency | 155 |
| Fire Department | 199 |
| Hospital Emergency | 112 |
| Forest Fire | 177 |
| Coastguard | 158 |
| Civil Defense | 101 |
| Drugs Hotline | 156 |
City-Specific Emergency Contacts
| City | Police | Hospital | Fire Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lefkosa/Nicosia | 228 3311 | 228 5441 | 227 1259 |
| Girne/Kyrenia | 815 2125 | 815 2266 | 815 2111 |
| Magusa/Famagusta | 336 5310 | 366 5328 | 366 5389 |
| Guzelyurt/Morphou | 714 2200 | 714 2125 | 714 2200 |
Dialing Instructions
- From overseas: Add 0090 392 before the local number.
- For landline calls: Dial 0392 followed by the 7-digit number.
Utility Emergency Contacts
- Kibtek Electricity Emergency (Nicosia Head Office): (+90 392) 228 55 55 or 6000900
- Kyrenia District Electricity Supervisor: (+90 392) 81 59 881
Important Tips
- Save these numbers under "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone.
- After an accident, do not move vehicles until the police arrive.
- Keep your passport and embassy contact details easily accessible.
For more details, refer to the relevant sections above.
