💡 The single emergency number in Spain is 112 (free, 24 hours, English also available); the operator asks what happened, where and whether there are injured; do not hang up until told.
💡 In a fire leave the building, don't use the lift and call 112; give the address, floor and whether people are inside; fire fighters are bomberos.
💡 A smell of gas is olor a gas: open windows, don't switch on lights or use flame, leave the building and call 112 or the gas emergency (urgencias de gas).
💡 If you see a crime call 112 or 091 (Policía Nacional); give the address, what you see and appearance; do not intervene yourself.
💡 In emergencies you can say No hablo español and Ayuda (help); 112 has interpretation; name the place and what happened in a word or two: fuego, accidente, herido.
💡 A theft is reported at the police station (comisaría) or online (denuncia online): you tell what happened and get a copy (copia de la denuncia); it is needed for insurance and documents.
💡 If you don't understand say No entiendo, necesito un intérprete; in criminal proceedings you have the right to a free interpreter.
💡 Foreigners should carry an identity document: passport or foreigner's card (TIE); the police may check it; say Aquí tiene.
💡 If an accident involves injuries or a dispute call 112; the police draw up a report (atestado); don't move the cars before they arrive unless dangerous.
💡 In cases of violence or threats call 112 or 016 (the victims' helpline, which leaves no trace on the bill); free help and protection exist; say about the danger at once.
💡 The lost property office is objetos perdidos: in town (ayuntamiento) and on transport (metro, Renfe); describe the item: colour, make, where and when lost.
💡 If you lose your wallet block the cards at the bank, report to the police (denuncia) and report the loss of documents; the police give a copy.
💡 To block a card is bloquear la tarjeta; phone the bank's 24-hour line or use the app; give name and account number; then order a new one.
💡 A lost foreigner's card (TIE) is replaced: report the loss at the police, then book an appointment at the immigration office and pay the fee (tasa).
💡 A found item is handed to the police or lost property; say He encontrado esto; leave your details; the owner may thank you.
💡 Words for the ambulance: no responde, no respira, inconsciente, herida, sangre; say Necesito una ambulancia.
💡 Paramedics ask: ¿Qué ha pasado?, ¿Desde cuándo?, ¿Es alérgico a algo?, ¿Toma medicación?; answer briefly: Se ha caído, Le duele el pecho.
💡 A bank never asks over the phone for the PIN, a password or an SMS code; hang up and call the bank yourself on the number on your card or app.
💡 Scam SMS (phishing) imitate the post, a bank or the tax office and ask you to follow a link and enter details; do not click, delete and report to the police if needed.
💡 A fraud is reported to the police (denuncia): bring screenshots, statements and messages; also tell the bank to try to recover money.