Aruba emergency number: 911

Dial 911. The Aruba government lists 911 as the general emergency number, covering ambulance, the fire department and police (through the central post). It also lists direct police lines: 100 for Oranjestad, 104 for San Nicolas, 105 for Santa Cruz and 107 for Noord. For incidents at sea, UK travel advice lists the Coast Guard on 913.

We found no official statement on which languages 911 operators handle, so do not count on a guarantee. Dutch and Papiamento are the two official languages of Aruba, and the Aruba Tourism Authority says English and Spanish are also widely spoken. Give your location first, then say what help you need, slowly and clearly.

For an immediate threat, dial 911. To reach the police directly, the Aruba government lists 100 for Oranjestad, 104 for San Nicolas, 105 for Santa Cruz and 107 for Noord. For a theft, a scam or lost belongings, report it to the Korps Politie Aruba (KPA) and keep the report reference for your insurance claim. US travel guidance notes an increased risk of crime in the San Nicolas district, especially at night.

No. Ambulance and fire are both reached on 911, the general emergency number. The Emergency Department of Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital in Oranjestad operates around the clock. The hospital switchboard, (+297) 527-4000, is separate from emergency dispatch, so call 911 for an ambulance.

Report the loss to the police, then contact your country's embassy or consulate. US citizens are served by the US Consulate General in Curaçao: the State Department lists (+5999) 433-2200, which is also the after-hours number when you call from Curaçao, and (+1) 301-985-8733 for after-hours calls from the United States. UK, Canadian and other nationals should check their government's travel-advice page for the nearest mission.

For a life-threatening emergency, dial 911. Aruba lies on the southern fringes of the hurricane belt, according to Departamento Meteorologico Aruba, the national meteorological service, and a passing tropical system can still cause beach erosion and coastal flooding. Follow the forecasts the service publishes at meteo.aw and the instructions of your hotel.

Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital in Oranjestad. Its Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, and the hospital switchboard is (+297) 527-4000; for an ambulance, call 911. Dutch government entry guidance (NetherlandsWorldwide) calls for medical or travel insurance covering at least US$15,000, including hospital care, emergency treatment and repatriation.