I worked around the problem you describe by getting a google voice number and using that at the front end for my real numbers. My GV# is the face for whatsapp, telegram, whatever asks for my number. Also helps that I can send and receive sms over data or WiFi anywhere in the world.
Doesn’t work with some sms gateways that don’t y’all GV, but the best international I know.
Each country gets a new sim with a local number for data and local texts but I never give it out.
I tried this a few years ago, it only worked for American customers. But it did save me some money making calls. Last I checked they basically abandoned their mobile app for a near decade...
The mobile app is poor, but can send texts and push text alerts to me.
I think GV is limited to US numbers and you have to have a US number to sign up.
It places a burden on my contacts who want to send an sms because they have to use international rates. But it’s better than not being able to text me.
The GV app is usable again recently - it was never really abandoned, just not given any major attention for a while. It did lose the "call back" option, which is a bummer.
However, installing the Hangouts client will let you use it as a better GV app for every day use (messages/voice, for settings and stuff you still need the GV app or the GV website).
Doesn’t work with some sms gateways that don’t y’all GV, but the best international I know.
Each country gets a new sim with a local number for data and local texts but I never give it out.