Travellers are being warned to avoid getting tattoos in Bali, after a West Australian resident was apparently infected with the AIDS virus.

All the evidence points to a tattoo received recently in Bali as being the source of an HIV infection, the West Australian Department of Health says on its website.

Communicable Disease Control Director Dr Paul Armstrong says getting body art and piercings done overseas, particularly in developing countries, is not recommended.

He says Australians who have had a tattoo done in Bali recently should consult their GP and consider the need for testing for HIV and other blood-borne viruses.

AAP