Not completely useless, nothing like it.
It all depends on where you buy online from.
Most of my transactions are in AUS, with only a few like GOG and Amazon US being international transactions. I could even use Amazon AUS instead if I wanted to, but I prefer the original US store. I also buy ebooks from Kobo, via their AUS address, even though they are based in Ireland. Many stores have an AUS website address.
Lots of people don't buy anything or much from international stores directly.
And of course a debit card can also be used locally without an online requirement.