This blog post is in collaboration with PayByPhone. All opinions are my own.
One of the biggest stressors I have when driving and then having to find parking in a city is how I am going to pay for parking. It is uncommon for me to carry cash or coins on me these days so even if I find a parking spot, I find myself digging around in my car for spare change or thinking about risking it by not paying for the parking for a short period of time.
Well, I am here to tell you that you no longer have to have the stress of digging around for change. I introduce to you: PayByPhone. I was excited when PayByPhone reached out and wanted me to share the ways that PayByPhone has helped me when I park in downtown Seattle.
️❓What is PayByPhone?
PayByPhone is the best way to pay for parking.
- No cash is required: No coins? No problem. If you’ve got your phone, you’ve got it covered.
- Clever alerts: No more clock-watching – get a discrete nudge when it’s time to go.
- Instant top-ups: Never sprint back to add to the meter – buy yourself more time wherever you are.
How can you pay for parking with PayByPhone?
There are three easy ways to pay for parking:
📱 The PayByPhone App – this is the easiest way to pay!
- Download the PayByPhone app – Download from the Google Play or iOS App Store
- Enter the location code – Enter the location code from the PayByPhone sign closest to your vehicle
- Enter your parking duration – Add the time duration you wish to park for. Check the details then confirm your selection.
- Extend your parking time any time – Add more time from wherever you are. Simply open the app and add time to your current parking meter.
Download the PayByPhone app
🖥️ Via the PayByPhone website
- Visit the PayByPhone website – Log on using your desktop browser or through your smartphone web browser. Easily create a PayByPhone account and use it to pay for parking. To begin, select Account from the main menu.
- Enter your parking requirements – Enter the LOCATION number (see on-street signage) and the DURATION you wish to park for.
- Enter your security code – Finalize your transaction by entering the 3 digit security code on the back of your payment card.
- Manage your account online – Visit your account page to quickly add or amend vehicle details, update your payment info or security settings
📞 Call
- Call the number posted on signage – Dial the PayByPhone service number displayed on parking meters and signs.
- Respond to the prompts – Existing users will be prompted to enter the 4 or 5 digit location number, and parking time required. New users will be guided through a registration process.
- Wait for your parking to be confirmed – Once you have heard confirmation that your parking has started you may leave your vehicle. Parking details will be sent to the handheld units the Parking Enforcement Officers patrol with.
- Extend your parking anytime – Extend your parking at any time. Simply call the number you dialed in Step 1. Your account will be recognized and you will be given the option to extend your parking session or to start a new one.
🏙️ What cities is PayByPhone available in?
PayByPhone is available in many cities in the United States including: Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco and more. There are also many college campuses as well as many cities in Canada that let you use PayByPhone to park.
For a full list of cities and countries that use PayByPhone, click here.
Exploring Ballard, a Seattle neighborhood
I recently spent a few hours in Ballard, a neighborhood north west of downtown Seattle. If you are familiar with Ballard, you know that parking can be a bit of a hassle. I was able to find a great parking spot right on the street and used the PayByPhone app on my smartphone to add initial time to my parking spot. We initially planned to just spend an hour here, but then as our hour time limit approached, the PayByPhone app began giving me notifications and I was able to conveniently add more time without having to walk all the back to my car which would have been a decent walk. Here are some spots we checked out when we were in Ballard:
Billy Beach Sushi
My husband used to live in the Ballard area. When we first started dating, we used to go to Billy Beach all the time! Since we were going to be in the area, we made it a point to stop by. Billy Beach is currently still take out only, but they make it easy for you to order online and pick up at the restaurant.
Sonic Boom Records
If you are a record lover, then you will love Sonic Boom Records. They have new and used CD’s cassettes and records! They’ve been around since 1997, so this store has definitely been a Seattle staple.
Skal Beer Hall
We stopped in Skal Beer Hall for the first time! It is a Viking themed beer hall with some amazing looking food (we didn’t get anything this time).
Staple & Fancy
If you are looking for a nice dinner out, then you have to try Staple & Fancy. It is an Ethan Stowell restaurant with a fixed tasting menu (that is always changing). It is $60 per person and is served over four courses. Diners each share 7 appetizers, a pasta course, an entree course and a dessert.
Reuben’s Brews
Reuben’s isn’t as close to the spots I mentioned above, but I still had to mention it because it is a cool brewery to check out. They are currently in the middle of expanding to a larger space, but they have a great large tent in the back as well as two tents in the front with a lot of space. I tried the Petite IPA.
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