Same in the UK. All my friends, family, coworkers. My boss. I've used WhatsApp instead of email to communicate with my landlord, recruiters. Some companies even use it for customer service as an alternative to phone or some terrible chat built into their website.

In the Netherlands it's so pervasive, it isn't only the default form a personal online communication anymore. Rather, it is quickly becoming the default form of online customer interaction as well.

Same with Portugal and Facebook messenger. I found a solution but it's less than ideal. I have less friends now.

I use both. I realize that Facebook already has my social graph and the epsilon more information they get from my family chats pencils out to epsilon. I use Signal when I don't want Facebook to know and monetize that knowledge.

Same in Germany. You have no chance without Whatsapp. Every birthday party, every friend circle etc. has a Whatsapp group.

Do not they have e-mail? That seems like safe default.

To most people, email is something that you use for work, or if you're over 50.