In the UK, I’ve basically only used WhatsApp for sms-type communication for the past 4 years. Actual SMS is for one-time passcodes and automated messages from my bank and doctor.
Previous to that, I was in Australia where practically nobody used WhatsApp, favouring iMessage or Facebook messenger.
There are a lot of things that are "ubiquitous" but I still wouldn't voluntarily use. Between this thread and the YouTube one today, and countless other ones in the recent past, there seem to be a growing number of "Xyz app is bad, but I won't stop using it" threads lately. I mean, talk about being part of the problem and not part of the solution. Whatever happened to "Be the change you want to see in the world?"
Previous to that, I was in Australia where practically nobody used WhatsApp, favouring iMessage or Facebook messenger.
Messaging app adoption is highly localised.