Getting a souvenir piercing or tattoo is a common holiday past time. You need to be aware that HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis can all be contracted through blood to blood contact.

In many Asian countries hepatitis B is endemic. Only minute quantities of blood (invisible to human eye) are needed to be on an acupuncture needle or tattoo and piercing equipment to pose a risk.

The Australian piercing and tattoo industries are highly regulated with sterile equipment and single use needles routinely used. These regulations are not in place in many poorer countries. You are strongly advised not to have acupuncture treatments, tattoos and piercings done whilst travelling unless you know that sterile and single use equipment is used and there are strict regulations in place.