If You're Traveling To These Countries, You Might Want To Cover Your Tattoos
Getting a souvenir from a favorite trip or vacation is practically a requirement, and while plenty of people get postcards, t-shirts, and jewelry, some go for something more permanent — a tattoo. One particularly unique amenity that some hotels offer nowadays are tattoo artists who give guests the opportunity to get a tattoo during their stay. The Moxy Times Square is where celebrity tattooist JonBoy had a set up shop, and Walker Hotel Tribeca brought in a tattoo artist for a Mother's Day event, according to Travel + Leisure.
Then there are destinations where tourists like to get tattoos. For instance, 60% of those who get a tattoo in Hawaii and in Cairo, Egypt are tourists. It's 70% in Bangkok, Thailand, and Sydney, Australia, 80% in Tahiti and Miami Beach, and a whopping 99% of all those who get tattoos in Denpasar are tourists (via Insider).
Some hotels and travel destinations embrace tattoos, and tattoos in general have become less of a big deal around the world, particularly with more people visiting. While you might get more attention for having tattoos in some places than others, there are some places where you'll want to consider covering up your body art if you're traveling there.
Be respectful of each country's culture in regards to tattoos
In Sri Lanka, a tourist got deported for having a Buddha tattoo, according to the BBC. Sri Lanka's not the only Buddhist country that doesn't appreciate guests having tattoos of Buddha. In Thailand, getting a Buddha tattoo is seen as offensive, particularly if it's below the waist (via Culture Trip). So, if you've got a Buddha permanently inked on you somewhere, you may want to make sure it's covered up when you visit these countries.
India is another place where you may want to keep your tattoos under wraps. "In countries where staring is already a real problem (I'm looking at you, India), I take extra care to make sure I'm covered up as best as possible by bringing long-sleeved shirts, and always having a scarf or shawl I can throw on," said one female tattooed traveler on Go! Girl Guides.
Another travel blogger noted that she felt a lot of judgment for her tattoos in Jordan, and said, "it is definitely not a place where tattoos are readily accepted" (via Seattle's Travels). So, she recommended covering up there as well. Also in Japan, having tattoos have traditionally been seen as being connected to the Yakuza — an organized crime gang — and you might be banned from beaches, gyms, hot springs, pools, and bathhouses with visible tattoos, according to Japan Rail Pass.