Quick answer
In an emergency, call 112. If you have been robbed or lost documents, SATE (Foreign Tourist Assistance Service), at Calle Leganitos 19, helps with the police report in your language, cancelling cards and contacting your embassy, every day from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm.
What to do first
- Emergency or danger: call 112, the European emergency number.
- Theft or loss: go to SATE to file the report with the help of interpreters.
- Cards and phone: block your cards through your bank, from another phone or from SATE itself.
- Documents: contact your embassy or consulate in Madrid; SATE can help with that contact.
SATE: the office for foreign tourists
SATE is a tourist assistance office run by Madrid Destino with National Police officers. According to Madrid City Council, it is at Calle Leganitos 19 and opens every day from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm. It helps you file a report for a theft or incident, cancel cards, locate relatives and contact embassies, consulates and insurers.
- Those are the usual hours; on special dates they may change (for example, on 24 and 31 December it closes earlier, according to the tourist office).
- The phone numbers we found in different sources do not match, so we do not list them here: confirm them on the City Council website before calling.
Medical care in Madrid
If you are an EU citizen and carry the European Health Insurance Card or another entitlement document issued by a member state, the Community of Madrid says you have access to public healthcare during your temporary stay. This card only covers temporary stays.
If you are from outside the EU, we found no specific procedure for tourists in official sources: take out travel insurance with medical cover before you leave and keep the policy and its assistance phone number. In a serious emergency, call 112.
Tips to avoid problems
- Keep a copy of your passport on your phone and leave the original in the accommodation safe if you do not need it.
- In crowded places (Metro at rush hour, Sol, Plaza Mayor), carry your bag or backpack in front of you.
- Keep the emergency number and your accommodation address at hand.
Getting around calmly
If you prefer to avoid crowded public transport, see taxi and VTC in Madrid: fares and tips. And a private tuk tuk takes you from point to point without crowds.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call in an emergency in Madrid?
112, the European emergency number.
What is SATE?
The Foreign Tourist Assistance Service, an office with police officers and interpreters that helps with reports, cancelling cards and contacting embassies.
Where is SATE and what are its hours?
At Calle Leganitos 19, every day from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm according to Madrid City Council.
Can I use public healthcare with the European Health Insurance Card?
According to the Community of Madrid, holders of the card or another entitlement document from an EU member state have access to public care during their temporary stay.
Sources
Facts and prices checked on 19 October 2026. They can change: confirm them with the official source before you travel.