How to call emergency services without a phone number?

[BenStone]

I've been able to get data, but not a working phone number (on Movistar). I have skype (can make international calls). Does anyone know how one could call an ambulance or the police? It seems somewhat crazy that people cannot get a phone number without a DNI. People need to be able to access emergency services.

 

[lunar]

I've been able to get data, but not a working phone number (on Movistar). I have skype (can make international calls). Does anyone know how one could call an ambulance or the police? It seems somewhat crazy that people cannot get a phone number without a DNI. People need to be able to access emergency services.

You can call 911 in Argentina even if you don't have a local number.
I believe, you don’t even need a SIM card to dial 911 - the call will go through as long as there is network coverage.
You can also call 107 for medical emergencies or 100 in case of fire.

Teléfonos útiles | Buenos Aires Ciudad - Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires

Listado de teléfonos útiles de la Ciudad.

buenosaires.gob.ar

 

[jantango]

I've been able to get data, but not a working phone number (on Movistar). I have skype (can make international calls). Does anyone know how one could call an ambulance or the police? It seems somewhat crazy that people cannot get a phone number without a DNI. People need to be able to access emergency services.

I ordered phone and internet services long before I had. DNI. Telefónica which is now Movistar had my passport number until I got citizenship. Perhaps they don't want to bother anymore with land lines. I still have mine for 23 years.

 

[Quilombo]

As lunar said, your phone should work regardless. Even if you see a for connection you should still see in details something like "Emergency Calls Only"

 

[LuckyLuke]

I've been able to get data, but not a working phone number (on Movistar). I have skype (can make international calls). Does anyone know how one could call an ambulance or the police? It seems somewhat crazy that people cannot get a phone number without a DNI. People need to be able to access emergency services.

I had a phone number long before a DNI. I use Claro here in Neuquen. I was able to get a chip from a kiosko and bring it in to Claro to activate. From there on I was able to pre-pay at a rapipago type place or using their mobile website. I only needed a DNI if I wanted to have a monthly plan that auto-debits a bank account.

 

[carride]

I've been able to get data, but not a working phone number (on Movistar). I have skype (can make international calls). Does anyone know how one could call an ambulance or the police? It seems somewhat crazy that people cannot get a phone number without a DNI. People need to be able to access emergency services.

Who told you that you cannot have a phone number without DNI? You can get prepaid service, with a phone number, calls, data, and sms. All without DNI. Just signup at the official offices of Claro, Movistar or Personal with your passport. Then top-up your prepaid balance with any credit card, and add a service pack as needed from the web. Packs specify how much data GB, sms and calls, and the number of days of service, so the easiest is to prepay 30 days every month.
A few years ago they added restrictions to not allow a post-paid cell account without DNI, which is perhaps the confusion.

 

[BenStone]

Who told you that you cannot have a phone number without DNI? You can get prepaid service, with a phone number, calls, data, and sms. All without DNI. Just signup at the official offices of Claro, Movistar or Personal with your passport. Then top-up your prepaid balance with any credit card, and add a service pack as needed from the web. Packs specify how much data GB, sms and calls, and the number of days of service, so the easiest is to prepay 30 days every month.
A few years ago they added restrictions to not allow a post-paid cell account without DNI, which is perhaps the confusion.

What I have found is there is no way to pay without a DNI. I have a phone number, but it doesn't ring and it doesn't allow me to make calls. There is an option in the Movistar app to pay, but it has a required DNI field.

 

[carride]

What I have found is there is no way to pay without a DNI. I have a phone number, but it doesn't ring and it doesn't allow me to make calls. There is an option in the Movistar app to pay, but it has a required DNI field.

Incoming calls should be free. You should test with a small 2000 payment, and then go to the real Movistar office to ask for help, not one of the 3rd party small offices.

When you pay from the Movistar app, it will pop up the Mercado Pago payment processing. You do not need a MP account. Choose Sin Cuenta options lower down to pay with your foreign credit card. On that next page the drop down is defaulted to DNI, but choose Otro instead and put your own country driver license or passport or library card number.

Also you can pay prepaid cell service in most kioskos or large supermarkets cashier. Tell them your provider and phone number, and hand them peso en efectivo bills.