I live in a small town. There is no uber or Lyft, or QR code parking. I ride my bike a lot. Snowboard nearly everyday in the winter and there is cell service in the mountains.

I lived in mega cities for 10 years, I’ll never do it again.

Call in hermit life if you want, I call it the simple life where enjoyment and happiness are the priority

US cities as well, now that you mention it. Open lots often require scanning a QR code to pay. They watch cameras and tow your car very quickly if you don't.

Maybe the reason this guy gets away with not having a smartphone is that his friends use their smartphones for him whenever things like this pop up?