, , , , ,

Cosmetic Tourism: How I Save Thousands of Dollars on Laser Hair Removal in Bali, Greece, Mexico

, , , , ,

Cosmetic Tourism: How I Save Thousands of Dollars on Laser Hair Removal in Bali, Greece, Mexico

Something my friends back home are surprised about is how often I get cosmetic procedures done while traveling internationally. For me, this includes laser hair removal, manicures, pedicures, facials, “baby botox” (which is slang for a very light amount of botox), haircuts, and hair color!

As a digital nomad, I travel often, typically off and on for about 5-6+ months per year. I like to maintain my cosmetic appointments regardless of whether I am home or not, which means I often am due for my next laser session, nail appointment, or hair color at some point when I am abroad.

Medical tourism is a common practice for many people doing dental work or other types of treatments outside their home countries, whether it is to save on costs or to work with a specific doctor.

Cosmetic tourism is pretty similar, just for cosmetic services versus medical needs. Personally, I don’t travel somewhere only for a procedure (though some people do!) - I just travel a lot and often happen to be due for my next appointment when I am on the road.

Here’s why I prefer to get laser hair removal abroad, plus some tips for booking around the world if you are considering adding laser hair removal to your cosmetic tourism plans as well!

Why Do I Get Laser Hair Removal Abroad?

Services menu at Francesca’s Beauty Lab in Paros, Greece

Laser hair removal has specifically been one treatment I have only done outside the United States. Laser hair removal tends to be much more affordable in other countries compared to the US, and since it requires multiple rounds spaced apart, I like to see if I can get it done while I’m traveling.

Costs: According to my research, an underarms + brazilian session costs an average of $500 per session in California, which is a steep cost compared to what I’ve paid for the exact same service while traveling: as low as $65 USD total, or sometimes up to $125 USD, per session.

Number of sessions: Typically with laser hair removal, you need around 6-8 sessions spaced out once every 4-6 weeks, plus possible maintenance down the road. However, ask the technician for what they specifically recommend. For most, multiple sessions, especially at the beginning, are required to see results - so you can see why I like to save a little a lot of money to get the same procedure abroad!

Same brand machine: Prior to booking, I’ll ask the medspa if they use the Diode brand laser machine, which is the same brand I’ve used since I started getting laser hair removal in Bali. No matter the country, when I am consistent with the same machine and brand, I get the same results!

Same service: I have friends who say they would be nervous to do a cosmetic service in a foreign country. However, if the reviews of the medspa are good and they’re performing the same service with the same brand of equipment or product, in my opinion…why not?

Laser Pricing Around the World

Here’s what I’ve paid for laser hair removal around the world in the last couple of years:
• Canggu, Bali: $65-$85 USD per session
• Budva, Montenegro: $70 USD for a session
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: $125 USD for a session
• San José del Cabo, Mexico: $125 USD for a session (maintenance appointment)
• Paros, Greece: $87 USD for a session (maintenance appointment)

Here are my top tips for getting laser hair removal abroad:

Laser hair removal in Tijuana, Mexico

1. Read reviews

I always check Google Maps and search “laser hair removal” in the city I am in. My rule of thumb is a minimum 4-star rating or higher out of 5 stars for the medspa that offers it.

On the Google Maps mobile app, I go to reviews and use the 🔍 search function to specifically find “laser hair removal” reviews. I read every review about laser hair removal before reaching out about booking an appointment.

2. Ask which laser machine they use before you book an appointment

If this is your first time doing laser, I recommend looking up reviews for the brand of machine they are using. Personally, IPLs don’t work for me (I previously tried an at-home one for several months).

The first time I did laser was in Canggu, Bali at LaserMe and they used the Diode brand machine. It worked well, and after a few sessions in Bali, I decided to stick with the Diode brand. So everywhere I’ve gone since, I confirmed they used Diode before booking an appointment.

Usually, the medspa will have a WhatsApp number you can text or an email you can contact if you don’t have an international SIM card. I’ve also used Instagram DM to reach out to a medspa.

3. Prepare for the appointment ahead of time: transportation + payment

Look up how long it takes to walk or take transport to the medspa so you will arrive on time.

Ask ahead of time if they take credit cards or only cash! Some medspas prefer cash or charge a small credit card processing fee.

4. Plan your travel day accordingly

If you’re traveling, you want to ensure you can still do activities you like to do! With laser hair removal, the technicians will give a window for how long that area can’t be in the sun, can’t be in the ocean, or have products applied to it (deodorant, lotion, etc.) after the session.

I’ve been told to not wear deodorant for 1-3 days after laser on my underarms, while some technicians say to just wait three hours. I would make sure I’d be able to pop into my villa for a quick shower in Bali if I needed to for the first 1-2 days after laser (it’s really hot and humid there!) to avoid…not smelling good. Haha.

I haven’t done laser on my legs because I’ve been told your legs need to stay out of the sun for 14 days, and since I live in California and tend to travel to warm, sunny places where I’m usually wearing shorts or dresses, it would not be practical. Maybe one winter I’ll finally do it!

So when you plan your appointment, make sure you get your beach time in before. Also, shave the area(s) right before the appointment as well!

Does Laser Hair Removal hurt?

I would say this depends on the machine you use and your personal pain tolerance!

Since I started laser in Summer 2022 (Bali, Montenegro, and Mexico), I’ve tried a new version of the Diode machine since the medspa I went to in Tijuana in early 2024 uses a new version. Back in 2022/2023, if they didn’t use numbing cream, it would be a little painful, but I’d say it was more uncomfortable in the moment than true pain (and I never experienced pain after the sessions ended, which are usually about 15 minutes long).

The new “Coolite Evo” Diode machine they used for my 2024 sessions in Tijuana didn’t hurt at all for me and I honestly hardly felt it…which I think is a fantastic improvement!

MedSpa Recommendations

There are so many places to get laser done around the world, but here are the ones I remember and would recommend if you happen to be in any of these locations!

As a San Diego, California resident, Tijuana is right across the US-Mexico border. A friend and I would take day trips for about five hours total to take the trolley to the border, walk through (remember your passport!), Uber to the Naro Clinic and back, then go back through the border (Global Entry is super helpful to speed up the process to be in a shorter line).

Would you get laser hair removal done while traveling?

Of course, if you choose to get laser hair removal, be sure to clear it with your doctor ahead of time and follow all of the technician’s recommendations!

Is cosmetic tourism something you are interested in reading more about?

What types of treatments would you want me to write about next - nails, hair, etc.?