Getting a tattoo in Bali is said to be so much cheaper compared to the cost you’ll have back home. But really, just how cheap? Bali tattoo prices is something tricky to talk about. Because obviously there are numerous factors to talk about. There’s the overall hygiene you worry about. Then there’s the fact that many of the equipment are imported anyway. so will that actually make any significant difference compared to when you’re getting inked back home?
Bali tattoo prices
Living cost in Bali is much lower, so lower prices for a variety of services are expected. But the tattoo community in Bali is what you’d expect of a mixed culture; there will be a significant portion of the expat community coloring the tattoo scene here. And tattoos are not affordable art to begin with. So even though you’re expecting lower price; too low is a red flag.
Sometimes Bali tattoo prices do fluctuate. Especially on an island highly reliant on the tourism industry. When tattoo shops are flooded and demands increase, expect prices to be slightly higher and/or booking a slot becomes more difficult. This particularly happens during the month of December, especially approaching and during Christmas to new year.
Tattoo artists greatly affect the price
Expertise and experience of the tattoo artist certainly affect the pricing. This is the case anywhere across the tattoo community. You can also expect this to be the case in Bali. Veteran tattoo artists with a decade under their belt won’t charge the same price as ones who only finished their apprenticeship in a tattoo studio.
Guest tattoos who are especially invited to the studio or makes a special appearance for a limited period of time sometimes charged slightly higher compared to the in-studio artist. It truly highly depends on the artist and you could never predict when it comes to this factor.
General factors that affect pricing
- The design and complexities
- Placement of the tattoo
- Tattoo size
Location of the tattoo studio
Bali is a tourist destination and so many areas are basically… tourist areas. So how is this going to affect the pricing? Let’s get to know a bit about Bali’s touristy areas first; they’re mostly concentrated on the southern part of the island and a part of the Badung regency. Badung covers Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Canggu, Kerobokan, to name a few of the major tourist hubs. And yes, that’s where you’ll find most tattoo shops at.
What about tattoo deposits?
Just like anywhere else, tattoo deposits are common practice in Bali tattoo price and in most studios, you’re expected to make one. Tattoo deposits are a fee that’s non-refundable, so that’s worth noting. If you feel uncomfortable in any way with your tattoo studio or tattoo artist, then don’t make that deposit just yet.
Also read: Tattoo artist Bali: Why it’s Important to Look at Their Portfolio
The amount of tattoo deposits studios in Bali charge greatly vary. It depends on a range of factors. Some of the most common factors that affect the deposit amount are the design of your tattoo and the scale/size of the tattoo. Some tattoo studio charge 500K IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) as a deposit minimum for most of their tattoo . For something much larger such as a sleeve piece or an elaborate back piece, a studio can charge anywhere between 1000K IDR to 2000K IDR. Remember that the numbers we mentioned are merely an estimate as of Bali tattoo prices 2020 and that actual prices are highly dependent on individual artist factors.