[konimex]

Not GP, but from a Southeast Asian perspective here.

> waiting for rideshare pickup in a busy location where there are many vehicles and it’s hard to spot your uber / lyft. Like at an airport or after a concert. The driver may need to CALL to quickly describe where you should meet them.

Grab (widely used in SEA) has a built-in call and chat feature for this situation so both the passenger and the driver don't reveal their phone numbers.

> you have a scheduled furniture delivery to your home, but you forgot. The driver texts you they are nearby. Then again when they arrive. You don’t respond because you forgot and you are not near your phone. Would they not CALL you to please come to the front door and let them into the home?

> Your spouse or parent or child was admitted to the ER at the hospital. Their phone lists you as an emergency contact. You’re suggesting the hospital would use a chat app to contact you?

Since WhatsApp is prevalent here, yes. Most people will call you using WhatsApp, SMS and direct calls are usually last resort (and frankly, most direct call/SMS nowadays are either credit card sales, scams, or illegal gambling ads).

[lurking_swe]

got it! thanks for sharing.