I have just reserved a Scavi tour, and the instructions say I must pay by credit card within 10 days. Methods of sending the information are telephone, fax, and e-mail.

Is it safe to send a credit card number by e-mail? I've always thought this to be a bad idea.

If I decide to call, what time do people usually make business calls to Italy from the U.S. West Coast? The office is open from 9 to 6 pm Italian time; looks like I would have to call about 8 am at the latest.

I don't have a fax machine, but could probably find someone who does. Is it safe to fax credit card numbers?

Thanks for any help.

I have sent cc details many times by all three methods. I suppose nothing is foolproof - but I honestly don't see the difference between sending it via e-mail and giving your credit card to a waiter back home.

If you are nervous-- then either phone, or split the cc# into two different e-mails. I try to call as early in their business day as I can manage, which won't be early for them but will be for me

I would (and do) just use email. I like the 'paper' trail of email. To me that's more valuable the the risk that my one email in the worldwide total of 37 bazillion sent a day will be intercepted by a hacker.

My credit card co gives me full protection against fraudulent use. I'm sure yours does too.

Are you really questoning the Vatican? The Vatican is God on Earth - do you trust God?

In general, make sure the URL address includes httpS (the "S") to know that it's a secure site. Specifically, however, I can tell you that I've reserved my Scavi Tour tickets on two separate occasions by providing my cc over the Internet.

Forgot to add: I would NEVER provide my cc information by fax. Anyone in any office passing by a fax machine can intercept that information.

Send part of the info in one e-mail letting them know you are sending the rest in a separate follow up e-mail (put ressie # as subject line in both). Some smaller places in Italy ask you to send credit card info that way.

Stay up until midnight and then call.

I always send CC information via email.

Thanks to everyone...I've taken kybourbon's advice and split the CC number into two e-mails. Please forgive my paranoia!