Banks and Phones
We cannot endorse any specific banks and phone companies, but here are some located within walking distance of RISD.
Banks
Citizen’s Bank
30 Kennedy Plaza, Suite 101, Providence, RI 02903
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
Phone number: (401) 456-7010
Process:
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Schedule an appointment. Appointments are not required but are encouraged.
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Visit location to open account. Accounts must be opened in person.
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Required documents: Passport
Santander
One Financial Plaza, Providence, RI 02903
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-6pm
Phone number: (401) 752-1900
Process:
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Recommended to call to schedule an appointment.
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Visit branch office to open account.
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Required documents/information:
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Passport
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Student ID
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International address and local mailing address
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Telephone number
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Email address
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Bank of America
215 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 9am-2pm
Phone number: (401) 228-0172
Please contact branch for more information.
TD Bank
180 Westminster Street, Suite 7
Providence, RI 02903
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-6pm
Friday 8:30am-7pm
Saturday 9:30am-1pm
Phone number: (401) 455-2900
Please contact branch for more information.
Chase
234 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
Phone number: (401) 824-0706
Please contact branch for more information.
Phones
T-Mobile
1 Providence Place, Providence, RI 02903 (3rd floor North Garage)
Phone number: (401) 383-3112
Process:
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Call or visit store to arrange phone plan.
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No documents required for prepaid services, and ID required for postpaid service accounts
AT&T
1 Providence Place, Providence, RI, 02903
Phone Number: 401-270-4903
Process
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Visit AT&T store or schedule an appointment here
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Required document: Passport
Verizon
1 Providence Place, Providence RI, 02903
Phone number: (401) 270-4330
Process
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Book an appointment online before going to the store
To decide what bank and phone company might be best for you, some general questions you can ask are:
Banks:
What are your international wire transfer fees?
What are your ATM fees?
Do you have a lot of ATMs available?
Are the checking and savings accounts free?
Do you have student accounts that offer discounts?
Phones:
Can I use my phone from home with a SIM card?
Do I need to pay to start a plan?
What are the best options for me in regards to price and minutes?
Do I have to sign a contract? If so, how much does it cost if I break the contract?
CampusSIMs
Along with your acceptance materials, you will be receiving a CampusSIMs SIM card. Learn more here: https://campussims.com/.
International Stores
Below is a directory of international markets, groceries & bakeries around the greater Providence area, shared with us by our friends at URI: