Getting a new tattoo can be quite an expensive endeavour in a country like Australia. This drives a lot of people overseas, where prices are generally a lot lower, even for work of the same or better quality. Bali is a favourite destination for people heading overseas to get a new tattoo. I mean, who wouldn’t want to stay in a Bali villa for a week, relax on the beach with a few drinks, and get their tattoo done – without spending more than you would on the tattoo alone in your home country.
In theory, this sounds great. However, a lot of people have concerns about the health and safety aspects of getting a tattoo overseas, especially in a place like Bali. Is it really safe to get a tattoo in Bali?
In Most Cases, Yes
If you’re careful, yes, it’s absolutely safe to get a tattoo done in Bali. This means doing your research before you choose an artists, making sure that you have a good design before you get it inked, and above all, looking after your tat after you get it done.
What Could Go Wrong?
If you’re not careful enough, there are a lot of things that could go wrong when you’re getting some new ink while on Bali holiday, leaving you with a living nightmare instead of your dream tattoo. Some of the most common issues that people come across include:
- Infections caused by poor hygiene and safety standards. These are probably the biggest risk associated with getting a tattoo done somewhere like Bali. Infections like HIV, Hepatitis or even Herpes can be contracted if the tattoo studio isn’t following the right hygiene practices. However, as long as you choose a decent studio with a good reputation, you should be fine in this regard.
- Poor quality work associated with cheap ink. If cheap inks are used – and they are in some of Bali’s budget studios – you might find that your tattoo fades and loses its ‘shine’ after a relatively short amount of time.
However, these risks can easily be minimised if you’re careful about the artist and studio that you choose.
Tips For Streamlining The Tattoo Process
If you’re serious about getting a tattoo done in Bali, then there are a few things that you can do to make the process safer and more efficient. They include:
- Do your research, choose and artist, and book an appointment well in advance.
- Make sure that you have a design, or at least a concept in mind before your appointment.
- Look after your tattoo once it’s done. If possible, try and get it done at the end of your visit to Bali, because you can’t swim for at least a few weeks after being inked.
Final Word
As you can see, there really isn’t anything to worry about when it comes to getting a tattoo in Bali. Most studios follow routine hygiene and safety practices that are similar to those in Australia and Europe, which means that you can rest easy with the knowledge that yes, you are safe to get a tattoo in Bali.