I agree. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, phone numbers are still the basis of communication. Thanks for the advice, I'll look into it and find out more about how it works.

I'd just prefer to have one permanent number that isn't linked to my identity rather than using some single-use service. It really annoys me that a number I've been using for over two years suddenly has to be registered somewhere, and they present it as protection against blackmail. I see it as the exact opposite. If corrupt Mexican officials and police officers have access to my location and my tax account, it opens the door wide to blackmail and kidnapping.