Emergency numbers and staying safe in Europe: 112, pickpocketing and scams

TUREFF• •0

Most trips to Europe pass without any trouble, but knowing what to do in an emergency, and recognising the common tricks used on tourists, makes it much easier to stay calm if something goes wrong. This guide covers the emergency number to remember, how pickpockets operate and the scams to watch for.

One number to remember: 112

112 is the emergency number in every EU country, and it also works in many other European countries, including the UK, where it runs alongside 999. It is free to call from landlines and mobiles.

It connects you to police, ambulance or fire services. Tell the operator which service you need and where you are.
In many countries operators can answer in English, or transfer you to someone who can.
Many countries also keep their own national numbers alongside 112, but you do not need to learn them. 112 will get you through.
Some countries offer ways to contact emergency services by text or app for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Check before you travel if you need this.

Before you call, try to know your location. Note your hotel's address, use your phone's map to find where you are, and look out for street names, landmarks or kilometre markers on motorways.

Other numbers worth having

Your embassy or consulate for lost passports, arrests or serious problems. Save the number for each country you are visiting.
Your travel insurer's emergency line, usually printed on your policy documents.
Your bank's card-blocking number, so you can stop a stolen card quickly.
116 000 is a hotline for missing children in EU countries.

How pickpockets work

Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Europe's big cities. It thrives in crowds and moments of distraction.

Hotspots: crowded metro carriages and stations, tourist sites, queues, busy squares, escalators and train doors.
Distraction: someone spills something on you, asks for directions with a map spread out, drops something in front of you or starts a commotion while a partner takes your phone or wallet.
The crowd squeeze: a group pushes around you as you board a train, then steps off as the doors close.
Café tables: a phone left on the table is easy to lift, sometimes under cover of a leaflet or menu placed on top of it.

Simple ways to protect yourself

Carry valuables in a zipped inside pocket or a bag worn across your body, kept in front of you in crowds.
Do not keep your wallet in a back pocket or your phone in an open bag.
Split your money and cards, and leave spares and your passport in the hotel safe where it is reasonable to do so.
Keep a photo or copy of your passport and important documents somewhere separate.
Be extra alert at the moment you are distracted, such as buying tickets or getting on a train.

Common scams

Friendship bracelets or roses: someone ties a bracelet on your wrist or hands you a flower, then demands payment. Keep walking and do not take anything offered.
Petitions: a person with a clipboard asks you to sign for a good cause, then asks for a donation, or a partner picks your pocket while you write.
Fake police: people claiming to be plain-clothes officers ask to check your wallet for counterfeit money. Real police rarely do this; ask to go to a police station.
Unofficial taxis: use official ranks, licensed cabs or reputable apps, and agree a fare or insist on the meter.
Restaurant and bar tricks: menus without prices, or an invitation to a bar from a friendly stranger followed by a huge bill. Check prices before ordering.
ATM interference: someone offers help at a cash machine, or a device is fitted to capture your card. Use bank ATMs inside branches where possible.
Ticket machine helpers who offer to sell you a ticket and pocket your change or sell you the wrong one.

If something happens

Get to safety first and call 112 if anyone is hurt or in danger.
Block your cards and, if your phone is stolen, use its remote lock or erase feature.
Report the theft to the local police and get a written report. Your insurer will usually require it.
Contact your embassy if your passport is lost or stolen; it can issue an emergency travel document.
Tell your insurer as soon as you can.

What scam or safety tip would you pass on to someone travelling in Europe? Share it in the comments.