testing contribution pages
Yes there is - go to Manage Contribution Pages and search for your page.  On the right hand side next to the page you want to test, click "Links", then "Test Drive".  You can also see this link at the top of the page when editing your contribution page.

For credit card transactions, use Test Visa Card number 4444333322221111, expiry date anything in the future, CVV any three digit number.  NEVER USE REAL CREDIT CARD NUMBERS FOR TEST TRANSACTIONS!

You will get a test receipt as long as you've set the email address to yourself!

No transaction will be made.  You will only be able to find the contribution inside Civi by specifically searching for test contributions.

This works for donations as well as memberships.  It's very useful.  I always test every page before making it live!