emailing credit information to Italy?

It's interesting. Many, many small merchants who rent out rooms in Italy do not have websites much less secure ones. Many don't even accept credit cards either. I have done this once and everything was OK. I was very nervous. Most merchants seem to be very honest about this type of transaction. Still, I would suggest sending 50% of your credit card number in one message and the other 50% in another.

For me its not a matter of trusting the merchants, its trusting those who scan emails as they fly by. I prefer to fax the info if possible, if not, I send the info in multiple emails, not all in one.

I had to send out my credit card number at least half a dozen times when I was planning my trip to Italy last year. I had some concerns but I didn't experience any problems with it. Most places just wanted to have it in case you didn't show up - a lot of times we paid in cash when we checked out.

If you are using gmail, you can use SSL on your side to at least assure that it is secure that far. Instead of using www.gmail.com use:

https://mail.google.com

Notice the 's' after http.

Personally, your risk is minimal, and I would not worry about it.

It has been awhile since this subject was beat to death. Most folks do not understand internet security so make assumptions based on the old telephone technology. The sending and receiving of information on the internet is absolutely safe. Breaking into two emails as a small measure of security but not worth the effort. Sending a fax is less secure but not a major problem unless has installed a tap on the telephone line. The email servers both yours and theirs are most likely secure although not advertised as such. However, security breaks down when it gets in the hand of the end user. And that risk is the same whether it is sent via email,fax, or given over the phone.

One solution is to use a dedicated credit card just for that purpose. We have a credit card that we almost never use so we use that card number. And we spoke with the cc issuer to make sure they will never accept a European charge. It the number is taken, it cannot be used in Europe and, if necessary we can quickly cancel the card if there is a problem.

Thank you for all your responses!