Just want to report back so far on my poor man's solution: iPhone 11 + Tello voice/text only + various eSIMs (Eskimo, 3 HK and ChungHwa Telecom in Taiwan).

It seems the 3HK eSIM is kind of slow but it works - can't beat the price 1 year 30 GB + 5 GB for social media for about US$35 (US, Canada, NZ, AU, UK and HK). The Eskimo one seems faster even though it is farther (in Singapore) relative to North America. Yes, I get a HK IP.

Tello has worked well for me. I just use the $7/month 500 minute plan with no data. When I am outside the US, with Wifi Calling enabled, it says Tello over Cellular Data (or Wifi if I have Wifi). The good thing is they don't have roaming so I don't have to worry about accidentally racking up roaming charges.

The big thing with Tello and I guess with any carrier is that iPhone Visual Voice Mail requires a data connection. So, it is back to voicemail the old fashion way.

By the way, I still have the legacy T-Mobile PAYGO. I was able to add $1 and extend the validity by 1 year!