The 112 Standard
112 became the EU's single emergency number in 1991. Today it works in all 27 EU member states plus EEA countries, and has been adopted by many non-EU nations. GSM mobile phones worldwide are programmed to recognize 112, making it one of the most universal emergency numbers.
911 vs 112
911 dominates in the Americas (US, Canada, Mexico, and many Latin American countries), while 112 is the European standard. Some countries support both. The ITU recommends that all countries adopt either 911 or 112 (or both) as their emergency number.
Other Emergency Systems
The UK and former British colonies use 999. Australia uses 000 ("Triple Zero"). New Zealand uses 111. Japan has separate numbers: 110 for police and 119 for fire/ambulance. China uses 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), and 119 (fire).
Traveler Safety Tips
Save local emergency numbers in your phone before traveling. Keep an active SIM card — many countries require one for emergency calls. Learn how to say your location in the local language or keep your hotel address written down. In the EU, 112 will work even on a locked phone screen.