That’s what we used to do! It’s old school now I guess lol go for it, take a chance

Yes people used to do this before smartphones and internet dating and Craigslist personal ads. You’d see someone you like, maybe chat with them, maybe not, and you’d get your number to them.

Asking the bartender for receipt paper and a pen, giving and receiving phone numbers. You’d call each other in the next day or two, talk for a bit, and see if you had any personal chemistry over the phone. If so, you’d meet in person. It was usually people who weren’t bold enough to make conversation at the bar, or if you were surrounded by friends and they didn’t want to impose, or near closing time, or when they saw you making moves to leave / when they would leave.

I kinda miss those days.

Turned out she was a warlock in drag! Ouchy wawa! Turned me into a newt

Yes, that was before they stopped talking to each other.
Now they just post an I Saw You where they regret not speaking to a stranger, or not giving their number.
Same with CLMC, which is still around but nearly dead (not that it was ever lively).
I'm not even joking. Check it out, happens many times a week...

People are very touchy these days.
Since moving here, I've learned to only speak when spoken to, and to not look because OMGcreepy. So this dude is being very bold and possibly offensive.
Old-skool. Respect.
Again, this is not sarcasm.
It's despair.

I'm moving soonish, to a place where verbal interaction with strangers is still normal, acceptable behavior. They don't consider it a sign of hostile intent or an attempt to exploit someone. So, not a continent that prosperous, respectable North Americans would choose. Imagine - an entire continent where strangers are usually friendly and social with others. Appalling.
Very much looking forward to it.

Hope all that helps :-)

....604-419-XXXX.

For the record, this person never spoke TO ME, just to my friends. I have no idea who this guy was. So for the people saying you used to chat up strangers, he didn't do that. Just gave his number to be passed on.

As explained by some of the other responders, he doesn't need to talk to you before passing on his number.
You can now choose to speak to him, or not.
It's rather considerate. Giving contact info like that avoids imposing on your evening in any way.
So change your mobile configuration to withhold caller ID, or get a Skype burner number. Or some other way. So you can call him and not have to change your number in case stuff.
Or don't call him. That may be best.
Because I think there's a cultural barrier here.