For the less sophisticated places to stay, the ones that do not have on-line reservation service, how do you usally give information to hold the reservation? I have a B and B owner in Ireland who is asking me to e-mail the credit card number and expiry date, but split it into 2 e-mails for safety. Still doesn't sound safe to me. I have asked for a fax number, but wondered how people usually handle this.

We have emailed the number in two separate emails.

that is perfectly safe - it is definitely safer than giving your credit card to a waiter in a restaurant in your local neighborhood . . . .

I don't even bother w/ splitting the info into 2 e-mails, but if it makes you nervous you can do that.

We just telephoned our info.

I have read that splitting the info into two emails is considered safe as the likelyhood of both emails being intercepted are like one in a million..

but, if you are concerned the obvious to me would be to phone, especially since language is not going to be an issue.

Hi V,

>...but split it into 2 e-mails...

Very good idea.

If the probability of a random intercept of your email is about 10^-8, then the probability of intercepting both is 10^-16 - a very, very small number.

If you use Bank of America or Citibank, you can generate "Shop Safe" or virtual account numbers for online shopping.

I generated a different account number for each bed & breakfast and hotel that we'll be staying at, and used those instead of my actual credit card number. If any of those numbers are stolen, I'll be able to track it right to the specific establishment.

We did have our number stolen last year, so I'm a little extra careful about giving out my real number.

Thanks for your comments. Makes me feel better about splitting the number. I also use the "temporary" numbers on my credit card for all internet transactions, but since the expiration date on those is very short--would be before we get there, wasn't sure the recipient would be too happy about that for this purpose.

I was surprised to find that many smaller B&B's in Ireland work on a cash basis only. I forwarded my CC on my trip to a couple places, but it was only a guarantee, and we paid cash. Splitting the number is a good way to do it actually - just lessens the risk to you.