Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
14 February 2012 11:24
Many Britons do not know that the EU-wide emergency number is 112, a study by the Foreign Office has found
As well as making sure your travel insurance is up to date, it's wise to make sure you know the basics about any possible emergencies which might crop up abroad. With this in mind, it is surprising that not a lot of people know about the EU-wide tourist emergency number, 112.
Some Britons even thought it was a brand of perfume, a study has revealed. The research also found that just 14% of people from the UK thought that by dialling 112 they can reach emergency services.
The Foreign Office study also found that just 3% knew that this was the EU's recognised emergency number. The UK, where the number is of course 999, is one of three countries where awareness was the lowest.
Just over one in ten thought that dialling 112 would put them in contact with directory inquiries, while others believed that 112 was a new scent, the number of a bus, or "a pair of Levi jeans".
Lynda St Cooke, from the FO's Know Before You Go campaign, said: "Knowing that you can phone 112 can save you time in critical situations. It is an essential number which we would encourage everyone to carry with them when on holiday in Europe."
17 July 2019
Want to experience a different side of Portugal? Check out one of these great destinations that lie a step or two away from the standard tourist trail...
[more...]
08 July 2019
Want to taste the real France? Experience the best French food and drink at one of these excellent foodie festivals. Perfect for food and wine lovers everywhere!
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.