I experienced the same thing in Mexico. I always assumed it was because you couldn't trust a check (i.e., no way to verify the account balance).
I'm still shocked my companies here in the U.S. that don't offer non-check payments. Most government agencies require cash or check (I never carry either).
I recently switched to Simple bank, which doesn't offer checks, and I've definitely hit a few snags along the way because of it.
Barely is not a strong generalization, it leaves some wiggle room. E.g. checks used to be used a lot in Europe but have been replaced mostly by e-payment. Check usage peaked worldwide in the 90s, and is decreasing; the US just seems to be behind that trend a bit.
Checks were never used very much in most of east Asia. They have some use in India given its UK heritage.
