If saving money is the reason, go for a prepaid card. German/Dutch prepaid cards have far long credit life. I travel full-time nowadays and I can use my KPN number for less than €1 per year.
German Alditalk credit lasts 24 months IIRC, and topping up extends the credit shelf life.
Pretty much every SIM card has free incoming SMS when roaming. USSD are also free with some carriers.
Losing SIM card is less of a hassle with eSIMs.
Perhaps other than tracking concerns, I'm totally not convinced with the reasoning.
German Alditalk credit lasts 24 months IIRC, and topping up extends the credit shelf life.
Pretty much every SIM card has free incoming SMS when roaming. USSD are also free with some carriers.
Losing SIM card is less of a hassle with eSIMs.
Perhaps other than tracking concerns, I'm totally not convinced with the reasoning.