Emergency numbers for people buying overseas properties and moving abroad
As you would back home, you must make provisions in the event of an emergency after moving abroad. One of the first things you should do after moving aboard is find contact numbers for the emergency services in the country in which you are buying overseas properties.
Contacting emergency services after moving abroad
Brits buying overseas properties should note that, although foreign emergency services are guided by the same principle as in the UK, the way they are implemented is slightly different. In some countries, ambulances are normally only called to action in the event of a traffic accident or major incident. Car or taxi is the usual way of getting to hospital.
Not all hospitals offer accident and emergency facilities, so after moving abroad you should note the location of the nearest hospital offering A&E services. As soon as possible after moving abroad, you should work out a route to get there in the event of an emergency.
Depending on where you are buying overseas properties, you may also find there are different systems of policing. There may be separate numbers for the strands responsible for criminal or traffic matters and there may also be a military police service.
Find out the contact numbers for the different emergency services after buying overseas properties and keep them with you at all times, initially at least. If you are moving abroad but within Europe, the number you need to remember is 112. This is the common European emergency number, designed so citizens can remember it wherever they are across the continent.
Do not expect emergency service telephone staff to be fluent in English.
Embassy contacts after moving abroad
When moving abroad you should also endeavour to learn the contact details for the British embassy or consulate in your new country. If, after buying overseas properties, you find yourself in any kind of trouble, the embassy or consulate should be your first point of call.
BRITISH EMBASSY IN SPAINC/ Fernando el Santo, 16
28010 Madrid
Tel: 91 700 82 00 (10am to 1pm only) or 91 319 02 00 (other opening hours)
Fax: 91 700 82 72
E-mail:enquiries.madrid@fco.gov.uk
www.ukinspain.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: Winter: 9am to 1.30pm & 3pm to 6pm, Summer 8.30am to 3pm
BRITISH EMBASSY IN FRANCE
35 rue du Faubourg St-Honore
75383 Paris Cedex 08
Tel: 01 44 51 31 00
Fax: 01 44 51 32 34
www.amb-grandebretagne.fr
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am to 1pm, 2.30pm to 6pm
BRITISH EMBASSY IN DUBAI
PO Box 65
Tel: (+971)(4) 309 4444
Fax: (+971)(4) 309 4301
www.britishembassy.gov.uk/uae
Opening Hours: Sat-Wed: 7.30am to 2.30pm
BRITISH CONSULATE IN FLORIDA
Brickell Bay Office Tower
1001 Brickell Bay Drive
Suite 2800
Miami, FL 33131
Tel: (305) 374 1522
Fax: (305) 374 8196
www.BritainUSA.com/miami
If you are buying overseas properties and moving abroad then you should know who to contact in an emergency and keep the numbers with you, at least when you first move.
