this post was submitted on 20 Mar 2026
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As an Australian I had no idea how ubiquitous WhatsApp had become elsewhere before travelling. I downloaded it for the first time on a trip to Europe because I literally couldn’t contact certain providers otherwise and the only other time I’ve ever used it was when I was in India and was faced with the same dilemma. It was a real culture shock.
I, and everyone I’m linked in with here in Australia, only use WhatsApp to communicate with relatives overseas or don’t use it at all. We all just tend to use SMS or regular phone calls here.
???? I'm an Aussie, I haven't sent an SMS for well over a decade, aside from a Y when confirming medical appointments I guess :) , a few received SMS for 2FA or signing up to services. I only use Signal. Most seem to use Apple's bullshit though.
My gfs work is all organised via Whatsapp though.
That said WA and Tele and FB are ubiquitous in SE Asia, LINE App and Viber to a lesser extent.