In Vienna, police emergencies go through 133 — available 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, witnessing a crime, or need help right now, call first rather than walking to a station. This guide explains when to use 133, when a local police office makes sense, and how 112 fits in.
Emergency 133 — when to call immediately
- 133 is Austria's police emergency line — nights, weekends, and public holidays included.
- Active danger, assault, burglary, violence, stalking, or a crime in progress → call 133 (or EU emergency 112).
- For medical danger, call 144 as well or instead — ambulance takes priority when someone is injured.
- Stay calm, give your location (street, number, district, landmark) and what is happening. Dispatch decides whether to send a patrol, local office, or ambulance.
Police station vs emergency call
- Polizeiinspektionen are district police offices — useful for non-urgent reports, lost property, stolen-document paperwork (after the fact), or general enquiries.
- Public counter hours are often limited — call ahead or check opening notes in the listing before visiting.
- Landespolizeidirektion Wien coordinates city-wide police services; visitors usually need the inspection office in their district.
- A directory listing does not dispatch officers — when unsure, always call 133.
Common situations for visitors
- Pickpocketing — call 133 promptly; note where it happened (U-Bahn line, crowded square) if you can do so safely.
- Lost passport or wallet — 133 if theft is suspected; for simple loss, a local office or lost-property process may apply.
- ATM fraud or card skim — block your card with the bank, then report; see our ATM fees guide for Euronet and fee traps.
- Harassment or noise — 133 if you feel threatened; otherwise a district office or municipal services depending on the case.
- Traffic accident with injuries — 144 and 133; minor damage-only crashes may still need police documentation — 133 can advise.
Language and access
- Vienna dispatch can often handle English — especially in central districts; speak slowly and clearly.
- EU emergency 112 routes to police, fire, or ambulance as needed and works with many foreign SIM cards.
- Emergency calls are usually free in the EU — still check your SIM and roaming before travelling.
- Save 133 and 112 offline — you may not have mobile data under stress.
Finding police near you
- Use Near me with your location or an address to sort stations by distance.
- Filter by district or landmark (e.g. Hauptbahnhof) when you know the area you are in.
- Each listing includes a map, phone, and directions — confirm counter hours by phone before non-urgent visits.