How a Traveller Beat Spam Calls While Roaming Overseas

There’s nothing more annoying than getting spam calls while you’re on holiday. You’re relaxing by the beach, exploring a local market, or just trying to find your hotel — and suddenly, your phone rings with some dodgy international number offering a fake deal or staying completely silent.

One of our travellers recently faced this exact issue while using their SIM/eSIM on the road. They started receiving multiple unknown calls daily — some silent, some obviously fake. Fortunately, they managed to shut it down quickly with a few simple phone settings. Here’s how you can do the same.

Whether you’re using an iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel, here are the best ways to block spam callers and keep your trip interruption-free.

📱 For iPhone Users (iOS)

1. Silence Unknown Callers
This built-in feature sends all calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail.

Go to Settings > Phone
Tap Silence Unknown Callers and turn it on

2. Block Individual Numbers
If a spam number keeps ringing:

Open the Phone app > go to Recents
Tap the info (i) icon next to the number
Scroll down and tap Block this Caller

📲 For Samsung Users (Android)

1. Turn On Caller ID and Spam Protection
Most newer Samsung phones have built-in spam detection.

Open the Phone app
Tap the three-dot menu > Settings
Tap Caller ID and spam protection and switch it on

2. Use Smart Call
Samsung’s Smart Call feature flags suspected spam calls and lets you block them with one tap. Make sure it's enabled under the same spam protection settings.

3. Block Specific Numbers

Tap Recents > choose the spam number
Tap Details > then tap Block

📞 For Google Pixel Users

1. Enable Spam Call Filtering
Pixel’s spam filter is top-notch and easy to switch on.

Open the Phone app
Tap More (three dots) > Settings
Go to Caller ID & spam
Turn on both See caller ID & spam and Filter spam calls

2. Block Calls Manually

Open Phone > go to Recents
Tap the number > Block/report spam

🧳 Quick Tips for Travellers

Keep voicemail off while overseas if you don’t need it. It stops spammers from leaving dodgy messages.
Stay alert with call alerts – if a number looks suspicious or you weren’t expecting a call, let it ring out.