Getting tattooed in a city you're visiting — or a country you'll never live in — is one of the more memorable ways to mark a trip. It's also a situation where the usual vetting shortcuts don't apply. You can't rely on word of mouth from people who know the local scene. You're working with shorter lead times. And if something goes wrong, you're managing the healing process away from home.
Here's how to do it well.
In this guide
- Start your research before you leave
- Vetting safety and quality
- Guest spots: a useful strategy
- Walk-in vs. booking in advance
- Aftercare on the road
- FAQ
Start your research before you leave
The most effective research tool for finding artists in a city you don't know is Instagram's hashtag search. Don't search broadly — get specific. Combine the city name with the style you want: #londontraditionaltattoo, #tokyofineline, #berlinblackwork, #melbourneillustrative. The results surface working artists in that city in that style, sorted by engagement rather than proximity to a tourist street.
Once you find an artist you like, look at their studio's page as well. Resident artist rosters and guest artist calendars are often posted there, and you may discover other artists working in the same space whose work also interests you.
When reviewing portfolios, look for healed work rather than just fresh tattoos. Fresh tattoos always look more vivid and saturated than they will after a few weeks of healing. An artist who posts healed-work photos is showing you the actual result of their technique — the thing you'll actually have. Artists who only show fresh work may not be as confident in their healed results.
Vetting safety and quality
Standards vary significantly between countries and even between cities. Verify a few things before booking:
Look for professional credentials and cleanliness signals. A reputable studio has a professional website, a clear booking process, and positive Google reviews that specifically mention cleanliness and professionalism — not just the art. Studios in tourist areas that are light on reviews or heavy on walk-in flash at low prices deserve more scrutiny.
Contact them professionally. Send a clear, concise email or DM with your idea, desired size and placement, reference images, and the specific dates you'll be in the city. How they respond tells you a lot: prompt, professional replies with thoughtful questions about your vision are a good sign. Vague or dismissive responses aren't.
Ask about sterilization and single-use equipment. Reputable studios use single-use needles and cartridges for every client. If this is unclear from their materials, ask directly. Any good studio answers this question without hesitation.
Guest spots: a useful strategy
Many working tattoo artists travel. They'll take a week at a time at a reputable studio in another city — called a guest spot — and tattoo clients while they're there. Following artists you admire on social media means you'll occasionally see they're guest spotting in a city you're visiting. This can be an opportunity to get tattooed by someone whose work you already know and trust, without them being based there permanently.
Guest spots are typically announced on the artist's social media a few weeks to a few months in advance. If you know where you're traveling, searching the city combined with "guest spot" in Instagram hashtags or keeping an eye on artists you follow can surface these opportunities.
Walk-in vs. booking in advance
For custom work, advance booking is required. Most artists who do custom tattoos are booked out weeks to months, and last-minute custom requests usually don't get the design attention they deserve. If you have a specific idea, contact artists before your trip.
For a more spontaneous experience, flash work is the practical option. Many reputable studios maintain flash sheets — pre-drawn designs available for walk-in clients at fixed prices. Flash from a skilled artist in a city you're visiting can be a genuinely good tattoo and a memorable experience. Call ahead to confirm the studio has walk-in availability on the day you're planning to go, rather than showing up and waiting.
Aftercare on the road
The healing process doesn't pause because you're traveling. A tattoo done on day two of a three-week trip heals for the next three weeks on the road — potentially across climate zones, through long flights, in hotel rooms, at the beach. Having your aftercare products with you before you leave home is significantly less stressful than trying to source appropriate products at a pharmacy in an unfamiliar city.
Pack the Aftercare Bundle
The Aftercare Bundle covers every stage: cleansing foam for daily washing, soothing gel for the first few days, and balm from day three onward. Everything fits in a toiletry bag so you're not hunting for the right products wherever the trip takes you.
Shop the Aftercare Bundle →Formulated at Historic Tattoo in Portland, Oregon. 100% money-back guarantee.
FAQ
Is it safe to get a tattoo while traveling?
Yes, if you do the vetting properly. The risks of getting a tattoo while traveling are the same as at home — infection from unsterile equipment or an unclean environment — plus the added complication that managing a problem is harder when you're away from home. Choosing a reputable studio with verifiable reviews and clear cleanliness standards reduces those risks substantially.
How do I find a good tattoo artist in another city?
Instagram hashtag searches combining the city name with the style you want are the most effective tool. Search specifically rather than broadly: #londontraditionaltattoo surfaces more relevant results than #londontattoo. Once you have candidates, look at their portfolios for healed work and check Google reviews for the studio's cleanliness and professionalism.
Should I book in advance or walk in when getting a tattoo abroad?
For custom work, book in advance — ideally several weeks before your trip. Most artists with strong portfolios fill their calendars ahead. For a simpler or flash piece, walk-ins are more feasible; call ahead to confirm availability rather than assuming.
What should I bring to a tattoo appointment while traveling?
The same things you'd bring at home: a full stomach, a water bottle, comfortable clothing that allows access to the placement. Additionally: bring your aftercare products rather than planning to source them locally. Having your cleansing foam, soothing gel, and balm already packed means one less thing to figure out in an unfamiliar city.
What about getting a tattoo on vacation near the ocean?
Getting tattooed and then swimming in the ocean during the healing period is a significant problem. Saltwater, sand, and prolonged submersion are all damaging to healing skin. If you're at the beach for a week-long trip and want a tattoo, consider getting it at the very end of your stay — not the beginning. The ocean and a fresh tattoo don't mix.