Tattoo Tourism Guide: The Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Inked Abroad

Thinking of getting a tattoo on vacation? Our guide will help you walk through the decision. We’ve picked up tattoos in Mexico, Poland, Spain, Argentina, and even Svalbard. Each time it’s been a memorable and fantastic experience. It’s a connection to a place, a person, and a moment. Tattoo tourism is growing fast, and for good reason: the local art scenes are thriving, the talent is incredible, and in many places, it’s more affordable than back home.

But it’s still a tattoo. It’s permanent, personal, and not something you want to get wrong. Whether you’re planning months in advance or tempted by a spontaneous walk-in, getting tattooed on vacation takes a bit of thought. Here’s what we’ve learned after years of getting inked while traveling.

Why get tattooed while traveling?

For us, tattoos are the ultimate souvenir that come with engaging conversations with artists, the energy of the city, and the story behind why we were there in the first place. We’ve had some of our most memorable travel moments sitting in tattoo studios, learning about local styles, talking with artists about their process, and taking in the local vibe.

Some cities even have a signature aesthetic. You get access to styles and perspectives that might not exist back home. And by getting tattooed, you’re supporting local artists in a very direct, meaningful way. But spontaneity shouldn’t mean carelessness. A good tattoo takes planning, even if you’re doing it on a whim.

Do your research before you go

Even if you’re flexible about the design, it’s smart to look into studios ahead of time. Search for tattoo shops in the city you’re visiting, then narrow it down by style. Instagram is a great tool here. Most artists post their work regularly. Look for:

• Consistent, clean linework
• Healed tattoos (not just fresh ones)
• A style that matches what you want (fine line, black and gray, color, etc.)

Don’t skip the reviews. Google listings often have detailed feedback about studio cleanliness, professionalism, and how the experience felt overall.

If you’re not sure where to start, use hashtags like #berlintattooartist or #lisbontattoos and go from there.

Start the conversation early

Once you’ve found an artist whose style you love, send them a message. Even if you’re not sure exactly what you want yet, let them know your travel dates, what you’re thinking design-wise, and where you’d like it placed.

Most tattoo artists appreciate references, but they also love creating something original. Send them a few examples on WhatsApp to show the vibe you’re going for, and then let them run with it. We’ve had the best results when we said, “Here’s what we’re looking for, but we trust your creativity.”

Good tattoos are collaborative. The earlier you start the conversation, the more time both of you have to think things through.

Pro Tip: Don’t expect artists to speak English. It’s helpful if they do, but we’ve used WhatsApp and Goggle Translate to communicate. Be extra careful with spelling if you’re getting words (though you always should be anyway).

Timing matters: don’t ink on day one and sit in the sun

This is probably the biggest rookie mistake. A fresh tattoo needs time to heal (usually 10 to 14 days). That means no swimming, no sun exposure, no hot tubs, and nothing too sweaty. If your trip involves beaches, hiking, hot springs, or hammams, wait until the end of your trip to get tattooed.

We always schedule our appointments for the last few days. That way, we’ve done all the active stuff, and we’re heading into rest mode anyway.

Be respectful, even if you’re spontaneous

Sometimes, you walk past a studio, check out their designs and think … this is the one. We’ve been there. But even if you’re feeling spontaneous, don’t expect to get tattooed on the spot.

Pop in, have a look, and if you like what you see, ask if they have availability later in your visit. If it’s a little flash tattoo on the boardwalk, they may expect walk-ins, but don’t assume they have time right now.

Most of the time, artists are happy to work you in with some notice. It’s a better experience all around when everyone has time to prep.

Be upfront about pricing and expect to pay in cash

Tattoo pricing varies by city and artist. Some charge by the hour, others by the piece. Always ask for a quote before the session starts. If you’re on a budget, say so up front. It’s totally fine to ask what’s possible in your price range.

In many countries, studios are cash only. And they’ll want payment in local currency. Don’t assume they’ll take cards or foreign cash, especially in smaller cities. Plan ahead and hit an ATM the day before, also be aware of daily withdraw limits both from your bank and the country you’re in. You may need to make several withdrawals or exchange currency at your bank at home before traveling (those ATM fees add up).

Tipping customs vary too. In the US, tipping 15–20% is standard. In places like Japan, it might be refused. If you’re unsure, just do some research.

Think about design and placement with travel in mind

We love a bold statement piece, but while traveling, practical choices make a difference. Smaller tattoos are easier to care for. They take less time to heal, and they won’t interfere with how you move through your trip.

We also think about placement. Avoid spots that’ll rub against a backpack strap or waistband. If you’re flying soon after, maybe don’t go for a big piece across your ribs or thigh. You want to be comfortable on the journey home.

Don’t cut corners, this is still your skin

Getting tattooed abroad doesn’t mean dropping your standards. Here’s what not to do:

• Don’t get inked without looking at the artist’s work. No matter how friendly the shop feels, make sure their portfolio fits your vision.
• Don’t assume every artist does every style. If you want watercolor or fine-line work, don’t book with someone who specializes in bold traditional.
• Don’t rush the process. You might be short on time, but this is permanent. Make the time.
• Don’t haggle. This is a skilled service. If it’s out of budget, scale the design down or save it for another trip. Tell the artist your budget and see what they say.
• Don’t ignore hygiene. Look for single-use needles, gloves, and clean equipment. If anything feels off, walk away.

Our Take on Tattoo Tourism

Some of our favorite travel memories happened in a tattoo studios (or even once at a kitchen table) sketching out ideas with an artist we just met. We’ve walked out of shops with beautiful, lasting reminders of our trips … and sometimes even new friends.

Getting tattooed abroad is a way to support talented creatives and bring home something far more meaningful than a T-shirt or fridge magnet.

So if you’re thinking about a tattoo on your next trip, go for it. But be smart about it.

• Ask questions.
• Start the conversation early.
• Leave space for creativity.
• And don’t forget to pack the right moisturizer or balm.

I have really sensitive skin, so I need to bring a fragrance-free lotion or balm. But always ask the artist how they recommend caring for a new tattoo.

Let us know where you’ve gotten tattooed while traveling. We’re always looking for new artists and studios to check out. Or if you’re planning a trip and have questions, drop us a message. We love helping fellow travelers make their tattoos a memorable part of the journey.

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