3 Things to Know when Taking Depositions in Taipei (Updated)

Image by Zach Hone, CLVS
Image by Zach Hone, CLVS

Many depositions are taken yearly in Taiwan, mainly in the cities of Hsinchu, Taichung, and Taipei, the nation’s political, economic, and cultural center. Naturally, Taipei has all the amenities necessary to comfortably host depositions, with all the conveniences expected in the United States.

The process of scheduling depositions in Taipei (or elsewhere in Taiwan) is practically no different from scheduling in the U.S. To make the process even simpler, not to mention less costly, coordinate your Taipei depositions with a court reporting agency with reporters, videographers, and interpreters living in Taiwan and nearby.

Three main points to keep in mind for depositions in Taipei include the following.

Interpreters Keep Busy

This cannot be overstated, and is generally true throughout all of Asia. Quality interpreters are in high demand, and while luck may intervene and a top-notch interpreter may be available last minute to cover your depositions, it is best to plan ahead.

There are several excellent Mandarin interpreters living in Taipei and throughout Taiwan. The earlier you have confirmed dates, the better your chances of securing a local interpreter with deposition experience. In a real pinch, the agency may be able to travel in an interpreter from Hong Kong, though travel fees could then apply.

The first-rate interpreter also prefers to be well prepared in advance of the depositions and, to that end, will request case materials through the reporting agency. These consummate professionals will generally make themselves available for pre-deposition meetings with attorneys as well.

Taipei
Image by Zach Hone, CLVS

Conference Rooms Designed to Suit

As Taiwan’s economic center, Taipei offers quite a few luxury hotels with comfortable conference rooms of varying size to serve as deposition or breakout rooms. It can also be extremely convenient to book conference rooms in the hotel where attorneys are staying.

Hotels can be a bit pricey, so for a cost-conscious client, consider asking about rooms at a business center instead, which often offer lower prices. Though less ritzy than a hotel, business centers offer many of the same amenities and are plentiful in Taipei.

Should your printing needs be more than the hotel’s business center can accommodate, it is worth mentioning that print shops are also plentiful in this city, and they are very efficient. Your court reporting agency is likely to have a relationship with one and be able to coordinate with them on your behalf.

Travel Requirements

Taiwan’s travel requirements are minimal, with no visa required for stays of fewer than 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay in Taiwan, and you must also have proof of return or onward travel upon entry in Taiwan.

As a rule of thumb, you should always have at least 6 months’ validity on your passport when traveling internationally.

Once there, remember that Taiwan is a cash society. Also make sure to exchange your currency before you leave, as changing Taiwan’s currency outside the country can be an enormous challenge!

For more information on depositions in Taipei, throughout Taiwan, or elsewhere in Asia, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.