Foreign teachers working in Vietnam need four critical emergency numbers saved immediately: 113 (Police), 114 (Fire Department), 115 (Ambulance), and *9999 (English-speaking private ambulance). While Vietnam’s official services 113, 114, and 115 operate 24/7 nationwide, they function exclusively in Vietnamese language, according to UK Foreign Office travel advice. The *9999 service provides bilingual English-Vietnamese emergency response in Ho Chi Minh City with significantly faster response times than traditional services. Teachers must also save their embassy’s 24-hour emergency hotline: US citizens (024) 3850 5000, British citizens +84 24 3936 0500, Australians +84 24 3774 0100.
What Are the Three Main Emergency Numbers in Vietnam?
Vietnam operates three official emergency hotlines accessible 24/7 nationwide: 113 for police, 114 for fire emergencies, and 115 for ambulance services. According to UK Foreign Office official travel guidance, all three services operate exclusively in Vietnamese language with no English-speaking operators available.
Critical Emergency Numbers:
- 113 – Police Service
- Coverage: Nationwide 24/7
- Language: Vietnamese only
- Use For: Traffic accidents, theft, robbery, violence, crime reporting, security issues
- 114 – Fire Department
- Coverage: Nationwide 24/7
- Language: Vietnamese only
- Use For: Fire, explosions, rescue operations, stuck in elevators/buildings
- 115 – Ambulance Service
- Coverage: Nationwide 24/7
- Language: Vietnamese only
- Use For: Medical emergencies, injuries, serious illness
- Note: If injury relates to crime or traffic accident, call 113 first, then 115
CRITICAL LANGUAGE BARRIER WARNING:
According to UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: “Emergency numbers in Vietnam are operated in Vietnamese only. Take a translator with you when you report a crime to the local police.“
How to Call from Mobile Phone:
- Simply dial 113, 114, or 115 directly
- No area code needed from mobile phones
- Works from any location in Vietnam
Why Is *9999 Essential for English-Speaking Teachers?
*9999 is Vietnam’s only internationally-accredited emergency ambulance service offering 24/7 bilingual English-Vietnamese support in Ho Chi Minh City. According to research published in the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Journal, *9999 achieves average response time of 4 minutes from call to dispatch, plus 12 minutes daytime / 9 minutes nighttime arrival in HCMC.
Key Advantages for Foreign Teachers:
1. English-Speaking Operators
- Professionally trained by International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
- Available 24/7 in both English and Vietnamese
- ProQA technology-guided emergency response protocols
2. Dramatically Faster Response
- *9999: Average 4 minutes dispatch + 12 minutes arrival (day) / 9 minutes (night)
- Traditional 115: Wait times can reach up to 3 hours, according to IAED research
3. Professional Medical Equipment
- Mobile ICU ambulances with advanced life-support equipment
- Emergency doctors and internationally-trained medical staff onboard
- Continuous telemedicine communication with medical centers
4. Annual Subscription
- Cost: VND 1,200,000 per person per year (approximately $50 USD)
- Benefits: Unlimited ambulance service within HCMC
- Non-subscribers can call but pay commercial rates per use
Coverage Areas:
- Primary: Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area
- Coordination: Connects to Family Medical Practice emergency services in Hanoi and Da Nang
- Limitation: Ambulance transport only guaranteed for subscribers in HCMC
How to Call *9999:
- Important: Must dial asterisk (*) button + 9999
- Available from any phone in Vietnam
- English-speaking operators answer immediately
For comprehensive information about healthcare quality and what to expect when you arrive at Vietnamese medical facilities, read our guide to Emergency Medical Care: What to Expect in Vietnam.
Which Embassy Emergency Numbers Must Teachers Save?
Every foreign teacher must save their embassy’s 24-hour emergency hotline before emergencies occur. Embassies provide critical assistance for passport issues, arrests, serious illness, crime victims, and emergency evacuations.
United States Embassy & Consulate:
Hanoi (North Vietnam):
- 24/7 Emergency: (024) 3850 5000
- From Outside Vietnam: +84 24 3850 5000
- Location: 7 Lang Ha Street, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam):
- 24/7 Emergency: (028) 3520 4200 or (028) 3520 4600
- From Outside Vietnam: +8428 3520 4200 or +8428 3520 4600
- Location: 4 Le Duan Blvd., District 1, HCMC
Services: Lost/stolen passports, emergency travel documents, arrest assistance, death notifications, crime victim support
British Embassy & Consulate:
Hanoi:
- 24/7 Emergency: +84 (0)24 3936 0500
- Location: Central Building, 4th Floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City:
- 24/7 Emergency: +84 (0)28 3825 1380
- Location: 25 Le Duan, District 1, HCMC
From UK (worried about British person in Vietnam):
- 24/7 Hotline: +44 20 7008 5000 (open every day, all year)
Services: Emergency travel documents, legal assistance, emergency repatriation, crime reporting support
Australian Embassy & Consulate:
Hanoi:
- 24/7 via Consular Emergency Centre: +84 24 3774 0100 (follow prompts for emergency)
- Location: 8 Dao Tan Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Main Number: +84 28 3521 8100
24/7 Consular Emergency Centre (CEC):
- From anywhere: +61 2 6261 3305 (international charges apply)
- Within Australia: 1300 555 135 (local call rate)
Services: Emergency passport assistance, arrest support, welfare assistance, emergency evacuations
When to Contact Your Embassy:
Immediate Contact Required:
- Lost or stolen passport
- Arrested or detained by authorities
- Serious illness or injury requiring evacuation
- Death of a family member
- Victim of serious crime (assault, robbery, sexual assault)
- Natural disaster or civil unrest
NOT Embassy Responsibilities:
- Routine visa inquiries (contact immigration authorities)
- General tourist information
- Flight bookings or hotel reservations
- Legal representation (embassies cannot act as lawyers)
How Do Teachers Navigate Language Barriers in Emergencies?
Language barriers represent the most significant challenge when calling Vietnamese emergency services 113, 114, and 115, which operate exclusively in Vietnamese. Foreign teachers need specific strategies prepared before emergencies occur.
Before Emergencies – Essential Preparation:
1. Save Key Contacts in Phone
- *9999 – Only English-speaking emergency service (HCMC)
- School principal and Vietnamese co-teachers (can translate)
- Building manager or landlord (knows your address in Vietnamese)
- Embassy 24/7 emergency number
2. Prepare Physical Documents
- Your address written in Vietnamese characters (keep in wallet)
- School contact information in Vietnamese
- Basic medical information in Vietnamese
- Emergency phrases written in Vietnamese
3. Essential Vietnamese Emergency Phrases
- “Cần giúp đỡ khẩn cấp!” = Need urgent help!
- “Gọi cảnh sát” = Call police
- “Gọi xe cứu thương” = Call ambulance
- “Tôi là người nước ngoài” = I am a foreigner
During Emergencies – Action Steps:
For English-Speaking Support:
- In Ho Chi Minh City: Dial *9999 first – trained English operators
- Outside HCMC: Immediately find Vietnamese-speaking assistance:
- School staff or colleagues
- Hotel/building reception
- Nearby shop owners
- Other Vietnamese people (most will try to help)
For 113/114/115 Calls:
- Get Vietnamese speaker to call – faster and more accurate
- Use Google Translate voice feature – download Vietnamese offline
- Show written Vietnamese address – most critical information
- Stay on line – don’t hang up even if you can’t understand
Information to Provide (regardless of language):
- Your exact location (address, landmark, district)
- Nature of emergency (injured, fire, crime, medical)
- Number of people involved
- Your phone number
- Your nationality
Managing emergency stress while navigating a foreign country can be overwhelming. Our guide on Burnout Prevention and Stress Management for Foreign Teachers in Vietnam provides essential strategies for maintaining your mental health and wellbeing.
Which International Hospitals Offer English-Speaking Emergency Care?
Major international hospitals in Vietnam provide 24/7 emergency departments with English-speaking medical staff and JCI-accredited care standards. These hospitals are the preferred option for foreign teachers who need medical care without language barriers.
Ho Chi Minh City:
FV Hospital (Franco-Vietnamese Hospital)
- Emergency Contact: +84 28 5411 3500 (24/7 emergency line)
- Main Hospital: +84 28 5411 3333
- Location: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, District 7
- Languages: English, French, Vietnamese
- Accreditation: JCI-accredited
- Note: According to Vietnam Teaching Jobs research, FV Hospital treats over 400,000 patients annually with 25% being foreign nationals
City International Hospital
- Emergency Contact: +84 28 6280 3333
- Location: No. 3, 17A Street, Binh Tan District
- Languages: English, Mandarin (limited), Vietnamese
- Services: 24/7 emergency department, 320 beds, 21 specialties
- Coverage: General surgery, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics
Hanoi:
Vinmec Times City International Hospital
- Emergency Contact: +84 24 3974 4333 (24/7 emergency)
- Main Hospital: +84 24 3974 3556
- Location: 458 Minh Khai Street, Hai Ba Trung District
- Languages: English, Vietnamese
- Accreditation: JCI-accredited (first in Vietnam)
- Services: Full emergency department, modern equipment, international medical staff
IMPORTANT COST INFORMATION:
International hospital costs are significantly higher than public hospitals. According to Vietnam Teaching Jobs healthcare research, foreign teachers should expect:
- Emergency consultation: Approximately $85-$500+ depending on severity
- Payment: Most accept cash (USD/VND) and credit cards
- Insurance: Many hospitals offer direct billing with international insurance providers
- No insurance = Upfront payment required before or immediately after treatment
Before visiting any hospital, verify:
- Your health insurance coverage in Vietnam
- Whether hospital accepts direct billing with your insurance
- Claim submission requirements and deadlines
What Should Teachers Do After Calling Emergency Services?
After calling emergency services, teachers must take immediate sequential actions to ensure proper assistance, documentation, and support.
Step 1: Stay on the Line
- Do not hang up until dispatcher says it’s safe
- Follow all instructions given by operator
- If using *9999, operators provide real-time first aid guidance
- Answer all questions clearly about location and situation
Step 2: Ensure Personal Safety
- Move to safe location if possible and able
- If injury/medical emergency, stay still unless location is dangerous
- Send someone to street/building entrance to guide emergency responders
- Turn on lights, make location visible
Step 3: Prepare Essential Documents
- Passport (original or clear copy)
- Work permit and visa documents
- Health insurance card (if you have one)
- School ID card (if available)
- Emergency contact information (family, school, embassy)
Step 4: Notify Your Support Network Immediately
School Administration:
- Call school principal or direct supervisor
- Explain situation briefly
- Request assistance if needed (translation, documentation)
Embassy (for serious emergencies):
- Serious injury requiring hospitalization
- Arrest or detention
- Victim of serious crime
- Use 24/7 numbers listed earlier in this article
Family/Emergency Contact:
- Use WhatsApp, Viber, or phone call
- Brief explanation of situation
- Share hospital location if going for treatment
Insurance Provider (if applicable):
- Most require notification within 24-48 hours
- Call hotline number on your insurance card
- Have policy number ready
Step 5: Document Everything
Photographs:
- Injuries (if safe and appropriate)
- Accident scene (if applicable)
- Damaged property or vehicles
Police Reports (if involving 113):
- Always request police report copy – required for insurance and visa issues
- UK Foreign Office advises: “Always get a police report when you report a crime“
- Bring Vietnamese-speaking translator (required)
- Processing time: Can take several days for official documentation
Medical Records:
- Keep all original receipts from hospitals/pharmacies
- Request detailed medical reports in English
- Save doctor’s notes and prescription copies
Written Record:
- Time of incident
- Emergency numbers called
- Names of responders
- Hospital visited
- Medications given
- Follow-up appointments scheduled
Step 6: Insurance Claims & Follow-Up
Insurance Requirements:
- Submit claims within 30 days (typical requirement)
- Include: Police reports, medical receipts, doctor’s notes, pharmacy receipts
- Keep copies of everything before submitting
School Documentation:
- Complete required incident/accident reports
- Provide requested documentation
- Inform HR if work permit health certificate needs updating
Embassy Notification:
- Serious incidents should be registered with embassy consular section
- Creates official record for your protection
- May be helpful for future visa applications
Frequently Asked Questions: Emergency Services in Vietnam
Q: Can I call 113, 114, or 115 if I don’t speak Vietnamese?
A: You can call, but communication will be extremely difficult. All three traditional emergency numbers operate exclusively in Vietnamese with no English-speaking operators, according to UK Foreign Office travel advice. For emergencies in Ho Chi Minh City, dial *9999 for English-speaking support. Outside HCMC, immediately find a Vietnamese-speaking person (school staff, hotel reception, shop owner) to help translate your emergency call.
Q: How much does *9999 emergency ambulance service cost?
A: Annual subscription costs VND 1,200,000 (approximately $50 USD) per person per year for unlimited ambulance service within Ho Chi Minh City, according to the official *9999 website. Non-subscribers can still call *9999 but will be charged commercial rates for ambulance transport. The service is available from anywhere in Vietnam for medical advice, but ambulance transport is only provided within the HCMC service area.
Q: What if I need an ambulance outside Ho Chi Minh City?
A: Dial *9999 from anywhere in Vietnam – operators will connect you to appropriate English-speaking emergency services in Hanoi and Da Nang through Family Medical Practice coordination. For other locations, call 115 (Vietnamese only) and immediately request translation assistance from Vietnamese speakers nearby, or contact your school’s administration for emergency support.
Q: Should I call my embassy or local emergency services first?
A: Always call local emergency services first (113, 114, 115, or *9999) for immediate threats to life, safety, or property. Contact your embassy afterward for assistance with documentation, legal issues, passport problems, or consular support. Embassies cannot dispatch ambulances or police – only local emergency services can respond to active emergencies.
Q: Will my international health insurance cover emergency services in Vietnam?
A: Most international health insurance plans cover emergency medical services in Vietnam, but coverage varies significantly by provider and plan. Before emergencies occur: (1) Verify which Vietnamese hospitals accept direct billing with your insurance, (2) Understand your claim submission procedures and deadlines, (3) Save your insurance hotline number in your phone, (4) Carry your insurance card at all times. Without insurance, international hospitals require upfront payment before or immediately after treatment.
Q: What information do I need ready when calling emergency services?
A: Essential information to provide: (1) Exact address in Vietnamese (most critical – keep written copy in wallet), (2) Nature of emergency (fire, medical, crime, accident), (3) Number of people involved, (4) Your phone number, (5) Your nationality and name. Having your address written in Vietnamese characters dramatically improves response time, as operators can immediately locate and dispatch appropriate services.
Q: Can I dial emergency numbers from my mobile phone without area codes?
A: Yes, dial 113, 114, or 115 directly from mobile phones anywhere in Vietnam without area codes. For *9999, you must dial the asterisk (*) symbol button followed by 9999 – the star symbol is essential for the call to connect properly. All numbers work from any mobile network in Vietnam 24 hours a day.
Vietnam provides foreign teachers with accessible emergency services, but language barriers require advance preparation. Save 113 (Police), 114 (Fire), 115 (Ambulance), and *9999 (English-speaking ambulance) in your phone today, along with your embassy’s 24/7 emergency hotline.
Emergencies are rare for foreign teachers in Vietnam, but having verified contact numbers and a clear action plan ensures you can respond effectively when unexpected situations occur.
Explore More Safety & Emergency Resources
For comprehensive guidance on staying safe and healthy while teaching in Vietnam, visit our complete SAFETY & EMERGENCY resource center. Find expert advice on emergency medical care, health insurance, safety protocols, and essential preparation for foreign teachers in Vietnam.
