Also I think I would rather do what I am doing and be able to have a degoogled pixel on top of it. We all have our preferences.  

 nevermind. pixels are esim capable.  

 Data-only is the best way to go really.  

Who really *needs* to bring their physical phone number to a conference? 

 For $1 and $25/no WITH data, why not? 

 It can only hurt your privacy and security, there are better things to trade $26 for 

 You have options with voice and sms for 59$/year, but I use the data only version, mostly for travelling.