The problem in Europe is that Whatsapp has become the standard for mobile messaging, and it's only available on Android and iOS

This really nerfs the whole dumbphone movement for Europeans, which should be a key market.

I went on holiday with someone a few weeks ago who is toughing it out with a no-Whatsapp dumbphone. He missed the train home because he got locked out of the holiday cottage and couldn't get in touch with anyone.

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jeroenhd 12 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

> I went on holiday with someone a few weeks ago who is toughing it out with a no-Whatsapp dumbphone. He missed the train home because he got locked out of the holiday cottage and couldn't get in touch with anyone.

While WhatsApp is definitely the default messenger in many European countries, SMS and calling still exists and works on every phone. It'll cost you extra because of carrier shenanigans, but it's not like nobody has phone numbers anymore because of WhatsApp.

You may be left out of group chats if you don't share the same group chat app, but not being able to get into contact with anyone shouldn't happen.

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wiether 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I'm an European no-Whatsapp guy and so are my friends that I go on holiday with so no issue.

Meanwhile at the last work retreat they did everything through Whatsapp and it was so relaxing to be out of the loop.

I just checked with my roommate in the morning to get the planning for the day, and I wandered as I wished.

I missed a lot of impromptu events, sure. I also missed a few official events that changed place at the last minute. I went walking on the beach instead.

And for the events I was expected to be active in, organizers just made sure that I was where I needed to be when I needed to.

So I was able to completely relax and enjoy my stay.

In the end everybody was exhausted while I was refreshed like after actual personal holiday!

Enjoy your Whatsapp!

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Lio 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

When you say "Europe" where exactly do you mean?

My experience of not having a Whatsapp account and being in Europe is that I don't miss it.

I'm not in a few group chats with people that won't use Signal but that's it. I've never had an issue contacting any business or any indivdual.

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wolvoleo 3 hours ago | parent [-]

Here in Spain you absolutely can't live without it lol. Also telegram

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prmoustache 3 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I live in Spain and I don't think you can't live without it.

Sure you will get a bit socially disconnected at times but that's about it.

	▲	wolvoleo 29 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		Well you won't die if you don't have it, no. But all my friends, local businesses etc everything is on WhatsApp (and telegram for larger groups). I'd really be an outcast if I didn't use it.

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Lio 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Counter point, I had no issues on my last visit to Spain.

	▲	wolvoleo 31 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		No I meant if you live here, not if you just visit of course. If you're part of society here you really need it.

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xcf_seetan 5 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Funny, I am european and i never have used Whatsapp, and i can comunicate with everybody i need. There's also good old sms, that i think all phones still use. Anyway, doesn't he know how to make a simple phone call? Why are all comunications restricted to Whatsapp?

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Rohansi 5 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I don't understand - how could they not get in touch with anyone? Surely SMS would have still worked if they were available on WhatsApp?

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A_Duck 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Trying to do an ELIHN here...

On a holiday of 10 people, everybody exchanging numbers means 10x9/2 = 45 actions, with many of those edges between strangers (higher cost edge)

Each person adding their friend to the Whatsapp group is 9 actions, with all edges between friends (low-cost edge)

So in practice, only the second one happens. He had one other person's number, but that particular person didn't check their phone.

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prmoustache 3 hours ago | parent [-]

What the heck is an ELIHN?

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A_Duck 2 hours ago | parent [-]

Explain Like I'm Hacker News

	▲	prmoustache 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		If that is your friend he surely had your number right and possibly others? Then why couldn't he get in touch with you or others? Most whatsapp groups end up being muted by almost anyone because they are an annoyance so they are hardly the place where you would ask for help anyway because virtually nobody would get notified.

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wolvoleo 35 minutes ago | parent | prev [-]

I have not used SMS in many years. Nor RCS. I don't want my mobile provider to have any part in my Comms besides moving bytes around.

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stonogo 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

This is not a dumbphone and it runs Whatsapp (and any other android app) just fine.

	▲	an hour ago \| parent [-]
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