When living or traveling in Cambodia, knowing the correct emergency numbers can save time in critical situations. Unlike some countries, Cambodia does not use a single universal emergency hotline like 911—so you need to know the right number for each service.

This guide gives you a clear, simple breakdown of all key emergency contacts, plus what to expect when you call.

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1. Main Emergency Numbers in Cambodia

These are the three most important national 24/7 emergency numbers:

🚓 Police - call 117

Use for: Crime, Theft or robbery, Assault, Traffic accidents and Security emergencies. Better know some landmarks

🚑 Ambulance / Medical Emergency - call 119

Use for Serious injury, Medical emergencies, Accidents requiring hospital transport.

👉 Note: Response times may vary depending on location and traffic conditions.

🚒 Fire Department - call 118

Use for Fire incidents, Gas leaks, Major accidents, Rescue situations

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2. Important Special Emergency Hotlines

Beyond the main three numbers, Cambodia also has additional support hotlines:

👮 Tourist Police (Foreigners Support)

• Phnom Penh: 012 942 484
• Siem Reap: 012 402 424

Use for Lost passports, Tourist scams, Language support, Foreign visitor assistance

🚨 General Police / National Hotline Variation

In some cases, you may also encounter:

• 012 999 999 (police assistance in Phnom Penh areas)
• Local commune police stations (varies by location)

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3. Embassies Emergency Contacts

If you are a foreigner, your embassy can help in serious cases such as:

• Legal issues
• Arrest situations
• Lost passports
• Serious emergencies

Embassy List in Cambodia (Always double-check the information on the official embassy website)

Country	Embassy Location	Phone	Email	Website	Working Hours
Australia	#16B National Assembly St, Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh	+855 23 213 470	Australian.embassy.cambodia@dfat.gov.au	https://cambodia.embassy.gov.au	Mon–Thu 08:00–12:00, 13:30–17:00 / Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:15
Brunei	#237 Street 51, Boeung Keng Kang 1, Phnom Penh	+855 23 211 457	brunei@online.com.kh	https://www.mfa.gov.bn	Mon–Thu 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:30 / Fri 08:00–11:30, 14:30–16:30
Bulgaria	#227–229 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh	+855 23 217 504	Embassy.Phnompenh@mfa.bg	—	Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:00–17:00
Canada	#9 Street 254, Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh	+855 23 430 811	pnpen@international.gc.ca	https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca	Mon–Thu 08:00–12:00, 13:30–17:00 / Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:15
China	#156 Mao Tse Toung Blvd, Phnom Penh	+855 23 720 920	chinaemb_kh@mfa.gov.cn	http://kh.china-embassy.org	Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
France	1 Blvd Monivong, Phnom Penh	+855 23 430 020	consulat.phnom-penh-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr	https://kh.ambafrance.org	Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
Germany	76–78 Street 214, Phnom Penh	+855 23 216 193	—	https://phnom-penh.diplo.de	Mon–Thu 09:00–15:00 / Fri 09:00–12:00
India	Street 466, Phnom Penh	+855 23 210 912	cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in	https://www.indembassyphnompenh.gov.in	Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Indonesia	Street 466, Phnom Penh	+855 23 217 934	indonesia@kemlu.go.id	https://kemlu.go.id/phnompenh	Mon–Fri 08:00–12:30, 14:00–17:00
Japan	#194 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh	+855 23 217 161	info-jpn@pp.mofa.go.jp	https://www.kh.emb-japan.go.jp	Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 14:00–18:00
South Korea	#50–52 Street 214, Phnom Penh	+855 23 211 900	cambodia@mofa.go.kr	https://overseas.mofa.go.kr	Mon–Fri 08:30–12:00, 13:30–17:00
United States	#1 Street 96, Phnom Penh	+855 23 728 000	phnompenhacs@state.gov	https://kh.usembassy.gov	Mon–Fri 08:00–17:0

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4. What Happens When You Call Emergency Numbers?

When you call:

Step 1: Operator answers (sometimes Khmer only)

• English support is limited outside major cities

Step 2: You explain:

• Location
• Type of emergency
• Number of people involved

Step 3: Dispatch is sent

• Police, ambulance, or fire team

👉 Important reality:

• Response times can vary
• In serious cases, tuk-tuk or taxi to hospital is often faster than waiting

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5. When NOT to Rely on Emergency Numbers

Emergency numbers may be less effective for:

• Minor disputes
• Small accidents with no injuries
• Non-urgent issues
• Language barriers

In these cases, expats often use:

• Hotel staff
• Local contacts
• Private transport to hospital or police station

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6. Best Emergency Strategy for Expats

Instead of relying only on hotlines, prepare this simple plan:

✔ For medical emergencies

• Go directly to private hospital
• Use Grab or tuk-tuk immediately

✔ For accidents

• Call 117 (police)
• Take photos first
• Contact rental insurance provider

✔ For fire or serious danger

• Call 118
• Leave the area immediately

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7. Safety Tips Every Expat Should Know

• Save all emergency numbers in your phone
• Share your location if possible (Google Maps)
• Keep embassy contact saved
• Always carry ID or passport copy
• Know nearest hospital location in your area

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8. Emergency Numbers Quick List

Service	Number
Police	117
Ambulance	119
Fire	118
Tourist Police (Phnom Penh)	012 942 484
Tourist Police (Siem Reap)	012 402 424

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Final Thoughts

Cambodia does have functioning emergency services, but the system is not centralized like in Western countries.

For expats, the safest approach is:

✔ Know the numbers
✔ But also know the fastest private alternatives
✔ Act quickly in real emergencies
✔ Don’t wait if medical help is urgent

Once you understand how the system works, you’ll be much more confident handling unexpected situations while living in Cambodia.