PayByPhone in Guelph: Paying for Parking Without Coins
Written by Chloe Bennett • Published September 3, 2026 • Last verified September 3, 2026
What you need to know:
PayByPhone covers most City of Guelph parking meters and lots, identified by signs with a location number.
You can pay by app or by calling the toll-free number on the sign; both accept credit or debit cards.
Extending your session is possible through the app, but you cannot exceed the posted time limit.
Overnight street parking bans apply in winter, typically from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., regardless of PayByPhone payment.
Confirm current rates and time limits on guelph.ca/parking, as they can change.
Guelph drivers who park downtown or in city lots can skip the coin meter and pay with their phone through PayByPhone. The service covers most pay-and-display parking spaces operated by the City of Guelph, including on-street spots and surface lots. You'll see the familiar PayByPhone signs with a location number posted at the meter or lot entrance.
PayByPhone works like this: you download the app, create an account, and add your license plate and payment method. When you park, enter the location number printed on the sign, choose how long you want to stay, and confirm. The app charges your credit card or debit card. You can also pay by calling the toll-free number on the sign, which is useful if you don't have a smartphone.
One advantage over feeding a meter is the ability to extend your parking session remotely. If you're running late, open the app and add time without walking back to the meter. But you must keep an eye on the time limit. Downtown Guelph has maximum parking durations, usually two or three hours on-street, and PayByPhone won't let you exceed that limit. The app will tell you the maximum when you enter your desired duration.
Another feature is the receipt option. PayByPhone emails you a receipt for each transaction, which is handy if you're parking for work and need to claim expenses. You can also download a summary of your parking history from the app or website. This record can help you track what you spend on parking each month.
Rates for PayByPhone parking in Guelph are the same as meter rates. The City of Guelph sets hourly rates for different zones, and PayByPhone adds no extra fee for the convenience. But be aware that some lots may have a minimum charge or a different rate structure. Always check the sign at the lot for the current hourly rate and any time restrictions.
What happens if you get a ticket while using PayByPhone? If you've paid for the correct zone and time, you should be fine. But if you enter the wrong location number or the wrong license plate, you could be ticketed. Double-check the location number on the sign in your parking spot, not one from a nearby sign. Also make sure your license plate is entered exactly as it appears on your vehicle, including any spaces.
PayByPhone is not the only way to pay. The City of Guelph still operates traditional pay-and-display machines in many lots, and some locations accept coins. But the machines may not give change, so carrying exact change is a hassle. PayByPhone eliminates that problem. You can also use the app to pay for parking in other cities across Canada, which is convenient if you travel.
Seasonal changes affect parking in Guelph. From November to March, the city enforces overnight parking bans on streets to allow for snow clearing. The ban usually runs from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., and PayByPhone doesn't allow overnight parking during those hours. If you need to park overnight in winter, use a city lot or a private garage. The city's website posts the exact dates and rules each year.
Another seasonal consideration is summer events. During festivals like the Guelph Jazz Festival or Hillside Festival, downtown parking fills up quickly. PayByPhone can help you find a spot, but you'll still need to obey temporary no-parking signs. The city may also adjust rates or time limits during special events, so check the signs.
If you're new to PayByPhone, set up your account before you park. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit the PayByPhone website to create an account. You'll need to add a payment method, which can be a credit card or a Visa debit card. The app will ask for your vehicle's license plate, and you can store multiple vehicles if you have more than one.
One thing to know: PayByPhone sends you a notification when your parking session is about to expire. You can then extend your time if you're within the limit. But if you ignore the notification and your time runs out, you risk a ticket. The app doesn't automatically extend your session. You have to confirm the extension.
For those who prefer not to use an app, the phone payment option works well. Call the number on the sign, enter the location code and your plate number, and follow the prompts. You'll need to have your credit card ready. This method is slower than the app but works from any phone.
Before you park, confirm the current rates and rules on the City of Guelph's parking page. The page lists downtown parking, residential parking, and accessible parking information. For PayByPhone-specific questions, check the PayByPhone website or their FAQ section. Rates and time limits can change, so the official sources are your best bet.
A final tip: when you park in a lot, note the lot number on the sign. Some lots in Guelph have different numbers for the same street, and using the wrong one could mean you're paying for a different spot. Take a photo of the sign if you're unsure. It's a small step that saves you from a ticket.
Sources
Related Reading
- Reception Jobs in Guelph: Where to Look and What to Expect
- Sugo on Surrey: Guelph's Italian Kitchen
- Vietnamese Food in Guelph: Where to Eat and What to Order
- Wayfare Motel Guelph: What It Is and How to Book
Spot a mistake? Suggest a correction; we fix errors in the open.