I have a couple of general questions after reviewing several posts and messages regarding making Florence museums via the internet vs. calling.
From what I can tell, many people have had a difficult time getting through on the first call to make actual reservations. Others have commented on the cost of booking online vs. via phone.
First, I don't have a clue what it would cost to call Italy, I don't call internationally, but is the cost of the phone call(S) and time involved worth saving a few bucks over the convenience of reserving a place online???
Second, what are the best sites, in other words, ones that we know we won't get ripped off booking online. I've been on selectitaly
and firenzemusei.it, both cost about the same, but wonder if there are any others.
Thanks.

I have an international plan with MCI that costs about $3. per month. Calling Italy from home is .08 per minute. Prague and Budapest were in the .35 per minute range.

There's a phone number that's been posted here (some time ago) for the Accademia museum. I gave it to somebody and they had no problem with it.

I don't remember where I put it but I'm sure someone can post it.

I use the 10-10-987 dial-around service and pay 80 cents or less for a 3-5 minute call to Europe for a museum or hotel reservation.

I used firenzemusei.it a few years ago with no problems.

I do not use online booking sites for Florence museums for the reasons you cited. There are cheap alternatives.

I ask my hotel concierge to do it for me by sending an email. No cost to me at the time of reservation -- no more reservation fee than if I were to call direct.

For those times I need to call Italy, I use an MCI internation calling card I got at Costco. I pay 6cent/min to Italy: neither monthly fee nor per connection charge; just straight minutes.

If you were to use your phone without any international arrangement, it would cost you more than a dollar/min. (from US) -- ouch.