Those interested in getting a tattoo should research local salons first.

by Nancy Ryerson

Though memories can last forever, souvenirs often cannot. A pair of garnet earrings may be lost; a Prague Drinking Team t-shirt might shrink. So some NYU students are looking to buy an infallibly long-lasting souvenir: a tattoo. But students interested in getting a tattoo should be careful to understand tattoo health risks and tattoo policy in the Czech Republic.

Tattoo studios are regulated nationally for licensing and sanitation standards. You must be 18 to get a tattoo in the Czech Republic without parental consent. Tattoo artists also must have a certificate that says Osvědčení o rekvalifikaci (Certificate of [re]qualification) which certifies that the tattoo artist is legally licensed.

“If the shop doesn’t look clean at first glance, there is something wrong. Some marks you should look out for are if there’s smoking inside, no autoclave [a sterilization unit], or no canister for used needles,” said Kanar Kilmentska, floor manager of Tribo Tattoo. “If the personnel aren’t able to show you these things or can’t answer your questions, go somewhere else.”

Health risks of getting a tattoo include bacterial skin infections, allergic reactions to ink, and more seriously, blood borne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, and HIV, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website.

“If you go to a really good place, they’ll take a fresh needle out of the pack and show it you,” said Maggie Stapleton, an NYU film student who has considered getting a tattoo in Prague

And if you’re looking to get a tattoo after a night out drinking, reputable tattoo shops will not comply.

“It’s not good for healing. Alcohol increases blood pressure and that means more bleeding, longer healing time, and sometimes scabs,” said Klimentska. And of course, decision-making skills are not at their sharpest after drinking.

And remember: all tattoos, whether they depict the Charles Bridge, the astrological clock, or smažený sýr, are permanent.

“Make sure you check the portfolio of the artist beforehand,” said Klimentska. “Having the certificate doesn’t mean that the artist is able to do a straight line. My studio has had to do repairs and cover-ups for a few other shops in Prague.”

As for prices, most rates are comparable to those in New York City or a little higher. Most tattoo shops in the Old Town Square area have starting prices from CZK 1000–1500, or about $50–75 .

“Studying abroad is an important life event, so I want to document it,” said NYU Tisch student Aari Reich, who plans to get a tattoo of the Sagittarius symbol from the astrological clock on Old Town Square. “Of course I’ll remember the experience, but I want something I can always look at to spark a memory.”