Common Tattoo Questions - Everything You Need to Know About Getting Inked in Bali

What should I prepare before getting a tattoo?

Before you sit down with our artists to talk through your design art, you should already have an idea of where the tattoo is going, size, what design you want, and if you have any sort of skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, etc) or relevant allergies you have that we should know about.

Do I need to make a booking? How?

It’s best if you do book in with us vs walking in, especially if we are talking about anything of significant size (sleeve etc) that way we can organize with the artist that is best suited for your project, do the back-and-forth on the art and prepare everything on our end. All of that is much easier if you book in advance.

You can book directly on our home page, you can Whatsapp us directly at +62 819-4573-7100

What sort of tattoos can you do at Primitive Tattoo Bali?

We can handle just about anything, here are some:

Black tattoo, Balinese tattoo, color tattoo, fineline tattoo, realistic tattoo, traditional tattoo, geometric tattoo, tribal tattoo, Japanese tattoo, blackout tattoo, oriental tattoo, Maori-style tattoo, abstract tattoo, lettering tattoo, number tattoo, anime tattoo, minimal tattoo, 3-d Realism tattoo, photo realistic tattoo, tattoo touch-ups, full sleeve, half sleeve, full back tattoo

Will getting a tattoo in Bali be expensive?

After you have decided on what design/art you want, you will want to decide on what size and where to put it. Based on those two things, that will determine much of the pricing questions you might have. A few cm size is much different then a sleeve, and a full sleeve in color is different then just geometric patterns or strictly inked in black.

These are all things to to think about and talk about with the artist before you get started to ensure you are happy and clear expectations set.

Bali offers exceptional value: Tattoos done in Bali are significantly cheaper than what you would expect to pay back home in America, Australia, or Europe – often 50-70% less expensive while maintaining the same quality standards. This makes Bali an ideal destination for larger projects like full sleeves, back pieces, or multiple tattoos.

When is the Best Time to Get a Tattoo During My Bali Trip?

We recommend scheduling your tattoo session towards the end of your Bali holiday. Here’s why:

• Enjoy Your Activities First: Fresh tattoos need to avoid salt water, chlorine, and excessive sun exposure for 2-4 weeks
• Optimal Healing: Getting tattooed 2-3 days before your departure allows initial healing before travel
• No Activity Restrictions: You can enjoy swimming, surfing, diving, and beach activities first
• Time to Decide: Bali’s beauty and culture might inspire your design choices

Small tattoos heal faster (2 weeks), while larger pieces like sleeves or back tattoos may take 3-4 weeks to fully heal.

Will I like my tattoo long-term?

You want to make sure that this isn’t just a design you will be happy with now but happy with later on in life as well, which is hard to know how you will feel in the future, that is why we suggest to focus on designs and art pieces that are part of your identity, something that has been apart of your life for a long time, something you love, etc. That way its more likely that later in life you will still love your art as much as you do today.

What if I don’t know what tattoo design I want?

It is important to take the time to clearly communicate what sort of design and vibe you are going for (showing examples and/or exact pieces you want) to your artist while in the design phase of that tattoo so we can get to inking faster. You want to open up dialog with us after you have somewhat of an idea and where.

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

You will feel it, and depending on the spot, it will hurt more than others and each individuals pain tolerance is different so I think a simple way to say it is yes- you will feel something. At Primitive Tattoo we have several numbing options for the spot we are working on that we can use to make the experience more enjoyable if needbe. Of course you can choose not to use anything as well.

How long will a tattoo take?

How long will a tattoo take is completely based on the size and complexity of the body art we are going to do. A smaller fine line art will be much faster then a full sleeve or back tattoo. On small tattoos we have fast turn around time (sometimes as short as 20-30mins), on larger pieces though we like to break them up vs attempting to tackle 12-20hrs in the chair in one go. We like to stick to 8-10hrs max in the chair per session, then seeing how the customer feels the next day and booking in again the next after noon or later, giving the body time to adapt to the ink etc.

Tattoo Aftercare in Bali’s Tropical Climate

Bali’s hot and humid climate requires special attention to tattoo aftercare. Here’s what you need to know:

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Bali’s intense UV rays can fade your tattoo and damage healing skin. Keep it covered or use SPF 50+ sunscreen after initial healing
• No Swimming for 2-4 Weeks: Avoid ocean water, pools, hot tubs, and beaches until fully healed to prevent infection
• Stay Cool: Excessive sweating can irritate your tattoo. Stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible during the first few days
• Moisturize Frequently: The tropical heat can dry out your skin. Apply recommended moisturizer 3-4 times daily
• Shower Carefully: Use lukewarm water and avoid high-pressure water directly on the tattoo
• Loose Clothing: Wear breathable, loose cotton clothing to prevent irritation

For detailed healing instructions, visit our complete Tattoo Aftercare Guide.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience:

• Cash (IDR, USD, AUD, Euro)
• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard – on location)
• Bank Transfer (both locally and international)
• Indonesian Bank Transfer
• Credit Card Online
• Wise
• Cryptocurrencies (only primaries BTC & ETH or stablecoins)

*Worth noting, processing fees may apply to some of the above mentioned payment methods.

Can you fix a bad or faded tattoo?

No Regrets doesn’t always workout the way you want it too, bad breakups happen and we grow out of old versions of ourselves all the time.

There are some options for bad tattoos, fading and other issues, things like a cover-up, restoration, designing around it and even touch ups can be used and our skilled artists will work with you on that.

Still Have Questions About Getting a Tattoo in Bali?

Our experienced tattoo artists at Primitive Tattoo Seminyak are here to help. Book a free consultation where we can discuss your design ideas, answer specific questions about your tattoo project, and provide accurate pricing estimates.

🔥 Ready to Get Inked? Book Your Free Consultation Now

Contact us today:

• WhatsApp Us: +62 819-4573-7100 | Quick Response Guaranteed
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit us: JL. Plawa No.8 D8, Seminyak (3 doors from Yellowstone Restaurant)
• Book online: primitivetattoobali.com

Related Tattoo Resources

Considering your next tattoo? Explore our specialized tattoo services and guides:

• Fine Line Tattoo Seminyak – Delicate, intricate designs with precision
• Mandala Tattoo Seminyak – Sacred geometry and spiritual ink
• Tattoo Aftercare Guide – Essential healing tips for your new ink
• Custom Tattoo Studio – Book your consultation today