Bottom line: Never bring your passport to the beach or water activities—lock it in your hotel safe for maximum security. If you need ID, just carry a photocopy or a photo on your phone. For cash and phone, if you must bring them, use a waterproof pouch (but avoid prolonged submersion), a locker provided by the dive shop, or leave them with a trusted private driver—these are all common practices.
Diving and snorkeling are top activities for many travelers in Bali, but since these trips often take place on beaches or remote islands where you can’t bring a bag—let alone a safe—the question of ‘how to store my passport, wallet, and phone?’ is one of the most frequently asked.
No worries! We’ve put together 6 safe and practical storage methods to help you enjoy your ocean adventures with peace of mind!
1. Leave Your Passport in the Hotel Safe
Your passport is your most important ID abroad—never take it to the beach or any water activity. Most hotels and guesthouses offer a safe, so lock your passport, flight copies, and extra cash inside.
If you need ID for check-ins or tours, just bring a photocopy or a saved photo on your phone to avoid losing the original.
2. Use a Waterproof Bag or Phone Pouch (With Caution)
If you absolutely must bring your phone or a small amount of cash, use a high-quality dry bag or waterproof phone pouch. These are easy to find locally in Bali.
However, note that while these products claim to be waterproof, they are not suitable for prolonged submersion or deep diving, so avoid storing important items in them for extended periods.
3. Use Lockers or Storage Bins on Diving Trips
Most dive shops or snorkeling companies offer temporary storage space for participants to leave shoes, towels, phones, and other personal items. Before using them, check their security and avoid keeping all valuables in one place.
4. Trusted Private Driver? Let Them Hold Your Belongings
If you’re on a private tour and your driver is a familiar and trustworthy local, consider leaving some valuables (like your phone or cash) with them for safekeeping.
This is a common practice among travelers, especially on long excursions like a day trip to Nusa Lembongan. Still, it’s best to check with well-reviewed drivers in the community beforehand.
5. Carry Photocopies of Your Passport and Cloud Backups
To be prepared for emergencies, scan your passport, visa, and credit cards and store them in the cloud (e.g., Google Drive, iCloud). That way, if you lose the originals, you can quickly file a police report or apply for replacements.
6. Travel Light to Minimize Risk
When joining water activities, bring only essentials like your phone, sunscreen, and a small amount of cash. Avoid wearing expensive watches, jewelry, or designer bags.
The first step to safe travel is to pack light and reduce temptation!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a place to store belongings during a diving trip?
Yes, most dive shops provide basic storage options like plastic bins or lockers. However, you are still responsible for your own items, so it’s best not to bring valuables.
2. Can I bring my passport along?
Strongly not recommended. If it accidentally falls into the sea or gets soaked, a damaged passport can cause major trouble. Please lock it securely in your accommodation’s safe.
3. Are local drivers really reliable?
Most travelers report that experienced local private drivers are usually friendly and trustworthy. Still, it’s wise to choose platforms with good reviews and avoid handing over all your valuables on the first meeting.
4. What waterproof gear should I prepare?
It’s recommended to bring a dry bag, waterproof phone pouch, sunscreen, and amphibious shoes—practical and convenient.
5. What to Do If You Lose an Item?
It’s best to report the loss to the local police immediately. If your passport is lost, contact the Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Indonesia (or your country’s consulate) for assistance with reissuance.
Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta
- Location: 17th Floor, Gedung Artha Graha (Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52–53, Senayan, Central Jakarta)
- Jurisdiction: Covers the entire territory of Indonesia (excluding East Timor), including West Java, Central Java, the Jakarta Capital Region, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Papua, and most other areas
Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Surabaya
- Location: Jl. Indragiri No. 49, Surabaya, East Java
- Jurisdiction: Dedicated to eastern Indonesia, including East Java, Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi, the Maluku Islands, and other eastern Indonesian islands
Bali’s underwater world is breathtaking, but protecting your belongings is an essential part of any journey. With a bit of preparation and the right storage choices, you can make your diving or snorkeling memories even more perfect and worry-free.
