They're not terribly common even within the US. I refinanced my house recently, and and I had to order a new checkbook from my bank to do it, because I couldn't find the one they gave me four years ago. Every time I do have to write a check, I always have to "figure it out" again, which isn't exactly rocket science, but is a testament to how little I write checks.

Like most of the world, I use credit cards or debit cards or a cash sending app.