Sharjah has introduced a convenient SMS parking system that allows residents and visitors to pay for parking directly from their mobile phones, eliminating the need for physical tickets or coins. SMS Parking in Sharjah is a hassle-free solution which makes parking more accessible and efficient, ensuring a smoother experience for drivers in the city.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use SMS parking in Sharjah.
Step-by-Step Process for SMS Parking
- Draft the SMS: Start by creating a new SMS message on your mobile phone. The format for the message is as follows:
Plate Source <space> Plate Number <space> Number of Hours
For example, if your car’s plate number is BTO 5678 and you want to park for 1 hour, your SMS should read:
BTO 5678 1
- Send the SMS: After drafting the message, send it to 5566. Ensure that you use the same mobile number that is registered with your vehicle’s parking account.
- Receive Confirmation: Once the SMS is sent, you will receive a confirmation message with the details of your parking session, including the start time, end time, and total charges. This confirmation acts as your virtual parking permit, so be sure to keep it.
Important Details to Keep in Mind
- Plate Source Abbreviations: When using the SMS parking system, make sure to use the correct abbreviation for your vehicle’s plate source. Here are the abbreviations used for various cities:
- Abu Dhabi: AUH
- Ajman: AJM
- Dubai: DXB
- Fujairah: FUJ
- Ras Al Khaimah: RAK
- Sharjah: SHJ
- Umm Al Quwain: UAQ
- Arabic Permit Option: If you prefer to receive your confirmation in Arabic, simply start your SMS with the letter “A”. For example:
A BTO 5678 1
- Charges: The parking fee will be added to your mobile bill if you are using a post-paid SIM card, or deducted from your available credit if you are using a pre-paid SIM.
Using SMS Parking for Non-Private or GCC Plates
If your vehicle has non-private or GCC plates, you will need to register your vehicle before using the SMS parking service.
- Register Your Vehicle: To use the SMS parking system, first visit the Sharjah Municipality website to register your vehicle.
- Draft the SMS: The SMS format for non-private or GCC plates is slightly different. Instead of using your plate number, you will use your username. The message format is:
Username <space> Number of Hours
For example, if your username is User123 and you want to park for 2 hours, your SMS should look like:
User123 2
- Send the SMS: Send the SMS to 5566, and wait for the confirmation message with your parking details.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Check Parking Zones: Be sure you are parking in a paid parking zone. These zones are typically marked with blue and white signage indicating the areas where parking fees apply.
- Timing: Paid parking is enforced from 8 AM to 10 PM on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday) and Saturdays. Parking is free on Fridays and public holidays, making it a great time to avoid parking fees.
- Keep Your Confirmation SMS: The confirmation SMS you receive after sending your parking request serves as proof of your parking permit. Do not delete this message, as it may be needed in case of any disputes or checks.
By following these simple steps, you can easily pay for parking in Sharjah using the SMS system. The convenience of this method, combined with the ease of mobile payments, makes parking in the city more efficient and user-friendly for everyone. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, SMS parking offers a seamless way to manage your parking needs on the go.