Tattoos in Playa del Carmen
 

How safe is it to get tattoos in Playa del Carmen? Are there any recommended shops?

Think twice and then think again before taking this step. You can quicky google some key words together like "henna tattoo mexico" and come to some significantly negative information on this topic. This one, for example

http://www.eagletribune.com/news/sto...324/LI_001.htm

will give you an overview of the problem, and Mexico has been among countries singled out for PPD use, which as you'll see is problematic. This has also been seen in Playa, as this link

http://playadelcarmeninfo.com/playa-...ad.php?t=10375

will alert you.

And quite apart from the health concerns involved, another potential downfall is that these often damage hotel bedding in such a way that you may have no choice but to buy a "souvenir" of your hotel to use at home.

Steve

Tried that search myself and found that taking out "mexico" and sticking in "ppd" brought more information, such as this BBC link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/reports/personal4.shtml

which explains how to distinguish good from bad henna work.

Steve

Thanks, Steve. What about permant tattoos? Are they available in Playa del Carmen? How good are the sterilization methods used in Mexico?
Jerry

You should only get a tattoo from a reputable technition that you have been able to research and get references on. Best bet is to stick with someone in your home town. Plus, you can't swim or get sun on the tattoo for atleast 48 hours after receiveing it and depending on where you get it (on your body) that could make for a very uncomfortable plane ride home too.
Lisa S

I guess you can get permanent tattoos in PDC, as well as safe henna tattoos, but I really don't know from any personal experience. Sounds to me like Lisa1271's advice would be sound, though.

Steve

As mentioned above, I wouldn't want to deal with a new tattoo on a beach vacation. Too much of a hassle keeping the conditions right for it to heal up proper. Sand, sun, water would all be not so good. (If you have some tattoos already you probably realize this.)

Wait until you get home. I was with some folks that were quite sorry they got tattos and piercings in Mexico. I would think this would apply to anywhere you travel. Wait til you are home and find a well recommended place.

My father (maineisland4sale) happened upon this message board and was asking the question so I didn't have to. My affianced & I always get tattoos when we vacation. I've been to Mexico before, 20 years ago and saw how unsanitary many areas are. (we were in Oaxaca, Tasco, Mex city, etc...so...) Anyway, the QUESTION is, if you please...does anyone know of any reputable places to get ink done? (Yes, we know about the sun, the water, the plane rides---we've done this a few times.) So, please if anyone has advice in regards to the question, that would be fantastic. Thanks.

Well why didn't ya say so (just kidding)!! Have you posted this question on Lonely Planet? They have a similar BB called The Thorn Tree with a Mexico branch. I'm thinking there are more of the tattoo-inclined on that board than likely here at Fodors.

Ah! Excellent Suze! I will check it out. Cheers!

"Have you posted this question on Lonely Planet? They have a similar BB called The Thorn Tree with a Mexico branch. I'm thinking there are more of the tattoo-inclined on that board than likely here at Fodors."

:-) Yes, I was thinking the same thing!

For that matter, usernames like "WildRufus" are probably bit more in step with the LP crowd than the Fodors crowd! :-)

Steve

Wildrufus

Recently Mexico's Goverment passed a law that requires tattoo and piercing parlors to register and meet sanitation law.

That does not mean everything is pristine and no problems could arise.

I know of two places that you can have Ink done, One in Monterrey (Cesar's a true artist! )another in Coyoacan in Mexico City. Of course they are way far off from were you'll be.