Why Privacy Matters When Using Travel eSIMs in Indonesia

A Complete Guide to IMEI Registration, Telkomsel Validity, and Personal Data Control with BaliSIM

Staying connected while traveling in Indonesia—especially in popular destinations such as Bali, Lombok, Nusa Penida, and the Gili Islands—is no longer optional. Travelers rely on mobile internet for navigation, ride-hailing apps, hotel check-ins, mobile payments, social media, and even remote work. As a result, travel eSIMs have become one of the most popular connectivity solutions for international visitors.

Travel eSIMs are fast to install, easy to activate, and remove the hassle of visiting physical SIM card counters at the airport. However, many travelers are surprised to learn that using a SIM card or eSIM in Indonesia requires passport verification and IMEI registration. While this process is legally required, it also raises important concerns about data privacy and long-term storage of sensitive personal information.

This guide explains why privacy matters when using travel eSIMs in Indonesia, how IMEI registration actually works for tourists, why Telkomsel eSIMs are effectively valid for 30 days, and how you can safely delete your passport data from your BaliSIM account after activation—without affecting your service.

What Is a Travel eSIM and Why Tourists Prefer It

A travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to connect to local mobile networks without inserting a physical SIM. Instead of swapping cards, users simply scan a QR code and install the eSIM profile on their device.

Key benefits of travel eSIMs include:

• No physical SIM required

• Instant activation

• No need to visit a store

• Ability to keep your home SIM active for calls or OTPs

• Ideal for short-term travelers and digital nomads

In Indonesia, most high-quality travel eSIMs—such as those offered by BaliSIM—operate on Telkomsel, the country’s strongest and most reliable mobile network.

Why Indonesia Requires Passport and IMEI Registration

Indonesia has strict regulations governing mobile devices and prepaid SIM cards. These rules are designed to:

• Prevent illegal phone imports

• Reduce black-market device circulation

• Ensure all SIM cards are linked to verified identities

For Indonesian citizens, SIM cards are registered using a national ID (KTP). For foreign travelers, passport verification is mandatory.

Additionally, Indonesia requires IMEI registration, which links your phone’s unique IMEI number to the national database. This system is managed by:

• The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo)

• Indonesian Customs (Bea Cukai)

• The national IMEI system (Siskoperindag)

Without IMEI registration, mobile networks can block devices from accessing local signals.

How Long Is IMEI Registration Valid for Tourists?

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of using a travel eSIM in Indonesia.

Administrative vs Network Validity

• Administratively, tourist IMEI data may remain recorded in government systems for up to 90 days.

• However, actual network access depends entirely on the mobile operator.

Telkomsel IMEI Validity (Very Important)

For Telkomsel-based eSIMs, including BaliSIM:

• 📶 Active network usage is 30 days

• 🔒 IMEI functionality is effectively tied to the Telkomsel package duration

• ⏳ After 30 days:

  • The eSIM stops working unless a new package is purchased

  • Network access is discontinued, even if IMEI data still exists administratively

In simple terms: Even though IMEI records may exist for up to 90 days, Telkomsel only allows active usage for 30 days per tourist eSIM package.

This is why most short-term travelers do not need to worry about long-term IMEI validity—but they should care about how long their passport data is stored.

Why Privacy Matters When Using Travel eSIMs

Your passport is one of the most sensitive documents you own. A digital copy contains:

• Full legal name

• Passport number

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Facial image and biometric identifiers

Keeping these documents stored longer than necessary increases exposure to potential risks.

1. Reducing Identity Theft Risk

The more platforms that store your passport image, the higher the chance of unauthorized access. Removing unnecessary copies significantly lowers this risk.

2. Minimizing Data Breach Exposure

Even secure systems can be targeted. Deleting unused files is a proactive security measure.

3. Maintaining Good Digital Hygiene

Just like logging out of shared devices or deleting old accounts, removing outdated documents is a best practice.

4. Regaining Control Over Personal Data

Many SIM and eSIM providers do not offer any way to delete uploaded documents. BaliSIM does.

BaliSIM’s Privacy-First Policy

BaliSIM was designed with international travelers in mind. The platform recognizes that:

• Passport data is required only for activation

• Travelers should control their own information

• Data deletion should be fast, transparent, and self-service

That’s why BaliSIM offers a no-questions-asked data removal feature directly inside the customer account portal.

No emails to support. No waiting period. No explanations required.

Benefits of Deleting Your Data After Activation

By deleting your passport images and sensitive files after activation, you can:

• Reduce identity theft risks

• Keep your digital footprint minimal

• Avoid unnecessary long-term data storage

• Maintain full Telkomsel network access during your package period

This approach allows you to stay compliant with Indonesian regulations while protecting your privacy.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Delete Personal Data in BaliSIM

The entire process takes less than five minutes and can be done from any device.

Step 1: Log in to Your BaliSIM Account

• Visit the official BaliSIM website

• Click Login in the top-right corner

• Enter the email and password used during purchase

If you forget your password, use the Forgot Password option or check your welcome email.

Step 2: Navigate to Account Details

After logging in, go to Account Details or My Profile, where your registration information is stored.

Step 3: Click “Edit Account”

Select Edit Account to access the BaliSIM registration form containing your uploaded documents.

Step 4: Delete Passport Photos and IMEI Screenshots

• Locate the image upload sections

• Click the delete or remove icon next to each file

• Clear any text fields containing sensitive information if needed

Ensure no thumbnails remain visible.

Step 5: Continue Through the Form

The system may be divided into several steps. Click Next until you reach the final page.

Step 6: Click “Update Account”

Scroll down and click Update Account to save your changes.

Your personal data has now been removed from the active BaliSIM portal.

Will My Telkomsel eSIM Still Work After Deleting My Data?

Yes.

Once your eSIM is activated and the Telkomsel signal is live, the registration process is complete. Deleting your passport data does not affect:

• Network access

• Signal strength

• Remaining validity of your 30-day Telkomsel package

Where Is Your Data Stored?

Deleting your data from BaliSIM removes visual document copies from the vendor system while remaining compliant with Indonesian law.

Best Security Practices for Travelers Using eSIMs in Bali

• Use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi

• Watermark passport photos before uploading

• Delete documents after activation

• Track your 30-day Telkomsel validity

• Avoid sharing screenshots of QR codes publicly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will my eSIM stop working if I delete my passport photo?
No. Your eSIM will continue working for the full Telkomsel package duration.

Can I update my documents instead of deleting them?
Yes. You can upload corrected files using the same Edit Account process.

Why is passport verification required?
Indonesian law requires all prepaid SIM cards to be linked to valid identification.

Is BaliSIM secure?
Yes. BaliSIM uses SSL encryption, and deleting documents after activation is recommended as a best practice.

Final Thoughts: Privacy Without Compromising Connectivity

Your trip to Indonesia should be about exploring beaches, culture, and local experiences—not worrying about where your passport image is stored.

With BaliSIM, you get:

• Reliable Telkomsel coverage

• Legal compliance

• Full control over your personal data

That’s what modern travel connectivity should look like—secure, simple, and traveler-focused.