Maire

I have to fax my credit card number to Italy from a store that offers this service.

I don't want anything faxed back to the store; on the cover sheet, is it okay to leave off the fax number I'm using, and put an email address instead?

(In the body of the fax, I did request hotel confirmation via email.)

ahotpoet

You obviously have internet access so it may be easier to call in the cc number using skype. Buy $10 of credit and call them with the number. You can call landlines for cheap and when you are in Europe and have internet access you can call home for nothing or almost nothing.
You didn't actually ask a question here but given the situation that is what I would do and then I have immediate confirmation and the peace of mind that comes from speaking to a real person.

Maire

Thanks, Poet. I did call the hotel directly yesterday. They would not take the credit card number over the phone; they require a fax.

esm

Maire, even if you do not provide a fax number, the fax machine on the other end will show it (caller ID).

MFNYC

I think it's ok to do that. If you don't receive your confirmation within a day or so, call the hotel again and make sure they received it. I've faxed credit card info and requested email confirmation. It's rarely a problem.

Barbara_in_CT

I fax credit card numbers and have never had a return fax. They have all replied to my e-mail.

In the body of your fax tell them that this is being faxed from a commercial establishment so it is unlikely that you would receive any return faxes.

Robespierre

The hotel will accept a fax, but not a number read over the phone?

I don't get it.

Lesli

Robespierre - I think it's because in Italy a *written* confirmation of your reservation is considered a contract. So for those who don't want to send CC details via e-mail, the hotel wants them via fax.

Intrepid1

Why not just send the CC# in an e-mail ? if "security" is the "issue" send it divided into two emails.

Maire

Thanks, everybody. It worked out fine. I faxed it, and they already sent email confirmation. I don't know why they wouldn't take it over the phone, but they wouldn't. They would accept either fax or email, and I asked them if I could split the cc number in 2 emails, and they said fax would be better.

RandyK

Marie-
I had the same worry when I was asked to fax my CC number for a hotel reservation in Rome. For reasons that are unclear, I could e-mail back and forth to get the reservation but had to fax my credit card number. Our hotel would not accept the number over the phone or via e-mail. The good news was that it all worked just fine! Have fun!

Maire

Thanks, Randy. I'm glad it worked out well for you!

alanRow

"Why not just send the CC# in an e-mail ? if "security" is the "issue" send it divided into two emails."

Fax is a lot more secure than e-mails

Robespierre

I think that to be really, <i>really</i> safe, you should send each digit in a separate email. Or in a separate fax. Or alternate between fax and email.