In Reply to: Yes, I was told posted by madge on Wednesday, 6. April 2005 at 09:56 Bali Time:
When I got a large tattoo on my back late last year, they told me that it was ok to swim at the beach that day or the next day, but they said not to swim in the pool for a few days. The chlorine is obviously a bit nastier than the salt water.
As long as they use clean needles straight out of the packet,(the main thing to ask. make sure you actually see them load the gun with the fresh needles). Have a quick scope around the Tatt studio to see if it looks grubby, or if their tattooing gear is stored properly and as sterile as possible. Not many studios in Bali have an autoclave steriliser (pretty much the industry "standard" here in Oz), so as long as its fairly clean, they use clean needles, and are liberal with their use of antiseptic whilst applying the tattoo, it should be fine.
The general consensus from our group of 5 who got tattoos there last year, was that it is like getting sunburnt. The "after-pain" is very like being sunburnt. The application hurts differently depending on where you get tattoo'd. The soft fleshy skin hurts and bruises a hell of a lot more that tough skin. Your foot should be fine. The tatt artists over there are quick at what they do. I'd imagine a little one (depending on detail and colours) would take less than half an hour, so thats not too long to put up with some mild discomfort.
Put it this way, if you've had kids, then it'll be a walk in the park! (and thats coming from a Dad! hahaha)
My wifey is a bit of a wuss when it comes to pain. She got a Bali gecko on the back of her shoulder that took 20 mins to put on (it's all black) and she said it wasn't too bad at all.
Hope this helps. Don't forget to bargain like you would for everything else (In hindsight, I paid way too much for my tattoo last time. Next time I will also bargain harder. But I am still very happy with the job and it was still half price of what I would have paid in Oz).
Some very handy tips
if you are thinking of getting a permanent tattoo in Bali:
- visit many studios to pick the one you feel most comfortable in
- find your design
- bargain the price down to what you are comfortable with
- book the tattoo for the LAST or SECOND LAST DAY. This way you won't waste valuable holiday time feeling sore and sorry for yourself. You also won't miss out on swimming that much if you leave it til the end.
- On your way out of the studio (or buy it beforehand), march yourself down to the nearest chemist (apotik) and ask for Bepanthen. If you ask for it by name, they will know what it is. It is insanely cheap over there and there is simply no better treatment available for a tattoo. Look after it and you'll enjoy your tatt for years to come.
good luck!
Shane