News From Planet Depos

Starting in 2025, U.S. passport holders will need a travel authorization via the ETIAS before boarding a plane bound for 30 European countries.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. Based on its American equivalent ETAS, the system will check the security credentials and charge a fee to travelers visiting EU member countries for business, tourism, medical, or transit purposes.

The ETIAS aims to strengthen security measures across Europe, requiring people from visa-exempt countries to apply before traveling. The ETIAS is not a visa but an additional layer of security. The European Union (EU) developed ETIAS to help monitor travelers who might pose a security or migration risk. It will be in effect from mid-2025, offering streamlined travel procedures for low-risk individuals.

For more information, visit https://etias.com/etias-frequently-asked-questions.

Why was ETIAS created?

Effective border security requires collaboration between different European countries. The ETIAS promotes a cohesive border security policy between participating European nations by creating a single travel authorization system.

The ETIAS utilizes a unified authorization system for international travelers entering the Schengen Zone, ensuring stronger European border control. Although the system adds an extra step to the travel process and will impact how millions of travelers enter Europe, it aims to make the Schengen Area safer.

By pre-screening travelers, the ETIAS reduces the chances of illegal immigration, terrorism, and other cross-border crimes. This will ensure that European borders remain open and accessible while providing security for both residents and visitors.

Is the ETIAS a visa?

No. The ETIAS is not a visa and is more accurately referred to as a visa-waiver. It is a travel authorization for short-term stays of up to 90 days. It differs from traditional visas in that it does not require an interview or physical paperwork.

Travelers can apply for ETIAS online, and no additional documents, like letters of invitation or hotel bookings, are needed for the application process.

Unlike a Schengen visa, which is necessary for longer stays or work purposes, an ETIAS focuses solely on short visits. This makes ETIAS simpler and more affordable than a visa, but travelers should still check local visa requirements for specific needs.

When does it take effect?

The ETIAS is scheduled to launch in 2025. Travelers should expect the system to be fully operational by June or July of that year. Originally scheduled to launch in 2021, several setbacks including unforeseen technical challenges, data privacy concerns, the delayed EU Entry/Exit System, and the 2024 Paris Olympics combined to ultimately push the launch into 2025.

It is advisable for people planning future travel to Europe to stay updated on the rollout, as authorities will begin enforcing this requirement soon after the launch. Visit https://etias.com/what-is-etias for more information and to sign up for updates.

What European countries will require the ETIAS?

Several European nations signed the first Schengen Agreement in 1989. It established a freedom of movement zone between the participating nations by removing travel restrictions. With ETIAS, you can visit many countries across Europe in different categories based on whether they’re in the Schengen Area, the EU, or otherwise associated with the Schengen Agreement.

The below 30 countries will all require ETIAS for entry:

The below six territories, connected to ETIAS member countries, follow Schengen rules for travel and will require ETIAS for entry:

How do I apply?

Applying for an ETIAS is a straightforward online process. Simply fill out an electronic form, providing personal details, passport information, and travel plans. The system will cross-check this data against multiple security databases like Interpol and Europol.

After completing the online form, the application is processed electronically. In most cases, travelers receive approval within minutes.

When should I apply?

To be safe, apply at least one week ahead of your trip to avoid potential delays. Luckily, an ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. You may travel throughout ETIAS-requiring countries as often as you’d like during this period, without needing to reapply, provided your passport remains valid.

ETIAS application process

1. Fill out the application form on the official ETIAS website.
2. Pay the €7 application fee.
3. The system will process the application electronically and will cross-check data from security databases.
4. Travelers receive approval within minutes.
5. Some travelers may be required to send additional documentation.
6. Travelers can appeal their application if it is rejected.

Important ETIAS requirements for American citizens:

• Valid E-Passport: Travelers must possess a machine-readable e-passport.
• Purpose of Visit: ETIAS authorization is granted for short-term visits, including tourism, business, transit, and medical purposes.
• Duration of Stay: The visit should not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Age Considerations: Applicants under 18 or over 70 years of age are eligible for a fee waiver.
• Application Deadline: It is recommended to apply for ETIAS at least 96 hours before your departure.
• Citizenship Requirement: Full American citizenship is required for ETIAS.
• ETIAS Validity: Once issued, ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

What if I don’t obtain ETIAS and try to travel to Europe?

ETIAS approval is linked to your passport. Without it, airport security will not let you board the plane and you will not be going to Europe!

For additional information on conducting depositions in Europe and around the world, be on the lookout for the 2025 Planet Depos International Deposition Guide (IDG), available for request in mid-February.

There are countries that do not allow taking depositions for a number of reasons. This can obviously lead to numerous discovery problems that can make or break a case. So, what do you do if you need to depose a witness who resides in a country where depositions are not permitted?

Here is more information about a few countries that prohibit depositions and tips on nevertheless taking depositions that remain important to a case.

Why don’t some countries allow depositions by foreigners?

There are over 20 countries that have restrictions or prohibitions on depositions and legal discovery. There are good reasons, but the resulting discovery problems are nonetheless real. Brazil does not permit the taking of depositions by foreign persons. It is considered a violation of Brazil’s judicial sovereignty. Participating in such a deposition in Brazil can result in the arrest, detention, or deportation of the participants. Russia and Austria do not permit depositions at all. China does not allow depositions by foreign persons, but Hong Kong does. Make sure you check with whatever country you will be taking a deposition in prior to potentially violating the law.

What to do about legal discovery problems if depositions are not allowed in a country

Move the deposition. Pay for the witness travel. Get an international court reporting agency that knows the local customs, laws, and procedures. If the witness is willing to travel, take the deposition in a nearby country that permits depositions without prior permission from any Hague Central Authority regardless of the nationality of the witness.

Take steps to reduce discovery problems by preparing for local obstacles or challenges. Ask your court reporting agency about meeting the legal team and witnesses at stations or hotels to ensure travel. Avoid time zone problems by having an agency with people close-by who can communicate in a timely and colloquial manner.

Frequently used alternatives to native countries where depositions are prohibited or restricted:

• Finland can serve as an alternative to Russia
• Hong Kong is frequently used to depose witnesses who reside in China
• Czech Republic and Austria are both members of the Schengen Area, making Czech Republic an ideal substitute for Austrian witnesses as there will be neither witness passport nor immigration controls

Prepare legal team and court reporter travel

There is also your own travel to consider. When traveling internationally, you should:

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
• Have at least two blank pages for any entry stamps.
• Check on visa requirements as early as possible, in case procuring any necessary visa is a complicated or time-consuming project.  The State Department lists entry requirements on its website.
• Check the State Department site for relevant travel alerts.
• Keep the information organized to make completing any necessary steps easier.

Local knowledge: The benefits of a court reporting agency

Hotel and accommodation recommendations and help. If you have not been to the deposition destination before, consider asking your court reporting firm for hotel recommendations. With reporters and videographers living and traveling abroad, they can provide knowledgeable recommendations based on your hotel preferences. Once you have arrived at your destination, the reporter and videographer can even tell you where to eat and shop. They can also tell you what places to avoid! Take advantage of their experience; your eyes and your stomach will thank you.

Technical aid. In addition to giving expert travel advice, the reporting agency, court reporter, and staff will technically enhance the deposition with:

• Realtime reporting
• Offsite streaming
• Same-day rough drafts
• Preparation and destruction of exhibits
• Language barriers
• Local procedural nuances
• Room reservations and tech setup
• Aid with technical difficulties

Realtime reporting allows you to immediately access testimony, on your own laptop or a loaner from the reporter. Realtime can also be streamed to offsite participants. You will also receive an instant rough draft at the conclusion of the day’s deposition. The reporter can handle the printing of your exhibits as well as their confidential destruction after the depositions are concluded.

The videographer also adds value to your depositions abroad. There are few things worse than experiencing technical difficulties. But, a skilled videographer will smooth out any technical difficulties. The videographer can step in to assist with conference room reservations, making sure no detail is missed. If anyone is participating via mobile video conference, the videographer can monitor the connection to ensure no interruptions.

While discovery problems are inevitable dealing with international cases, international depositions are easier with support and insight.

For more information on scheduling international depositions, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.

Traveling as part of a legal team or as a court reporter abroad can be a fun part of the job for the prepared explorer. You never know where a case will take you. There are assignments that will take you to the largest cities–and others that take you to the smallest towns. Here are a few tips for arranging depositions in Asia and travelling safely abroad.

International court reporting agencies send talent wherever there is need. Like depositions in the United States, Asia-based legal teams may have to travel to small towns. But, what is a “small” town in Asia? One Planet Depos court reporter, Trevor, found that one small town in Taiwan called Douliu City was more foreign than actually “small” by American standards.

You Sent a Court Reporter Where?!

According to Wikipedia, some people consider Douliu the political and economic (physical) center of the Taiwan and the main city in Yunlin County. With a population of 100,000, Douliu is not a small town by American standards. In Asia it is downright tiny. When our court reporter, Trevor, arrived he was excited to see what a small city in Taiwan looked like. And he was not disappointed.

Travel Tips for Court Reporters

1. Check in with the concierge

The concierge at your hotel is a great way to orientate yourself in a new city, perhaps especially in small towns. Taiwan is famous for night markets where locals and tourists roam the city streets for food, drinks, and shopping nightly. But travelling abroad can be overwhelming. In Trevor’s case, the concierge gave all the needed advice about the unique night market of Douliu. Check in with the concierge as soon as you are settled into your room.

Since Douliu is a relatively small town for Asia, its night market is relatively unknown outside of Taiwan. Unlike other night markets, it only runs once a week. It really is a locals-only market. Yet it ranks as one of the best in the country. Trevor’s assignment taking depositions in Asia had lead him to an amazing opportunity.

2. Get local perspective

Asking a reputable local is smart, if a concierge is unavailable. Your assignment may have a local colleague available to guide you. Check how safe the area is and ask for tips whenever going into a new environment, especially off the beaten path. The hotel’s concierge is particularly careful about advice. However, other reputable figures may be tourist boards, embassies, and hosts.

For our court reporter, the tips from the concierge made dinner during business travel more than a meal:

“As I wandered the market, I took in the smells and the sights, but what I found most interesting was the energy. I was welcomed by everyone, and people were excited to share their wares and products with me. I was quickly full eating homemade gyoza dumplings, various meat on a stick, and fresh-squeezed vinegar lemonade. I love trying new things. Douliu was a really neat experience and just one more place that Planet Depos covers in the great, big continent of Asia.”

3. Keep the address on you

Know how to get back. Take a card from the hotel with you that has the hotel name and address. If there is a bilingual concierge or hotel agent, they can write a note on the card in the native language. Show this to any drivers you use.

4. Choose a recognizable or international brand when possible

Choose international brands or recognizable locations when booking hotels or deposition rooms. When scheduling depositions in smaller towns overseas, it is easy to make a blunder. Major international cities like Hong Kong and London offer a range of recognizable hotel names, making choosing a location for your deposition and stay fairly simple. Whenever possible, go with a known quantity or something highly rated by international travel sites. Relying on recognizable hotel brands can provide consistency and help you coordinate with fellow travelers. Even if they don’t speak the language, cab drivers and other locals can probably recognize the name of well-known spots.

5. Anticipate language needs

Do they speak English? Smaller towns don’t always have larger hotel chain or English-speaking staff. Check ahead to see if there is a liaison at the hotel or meeting venue. This is where an on-the-ground team really proves their value.

Agency service includes providing high-quality realtime translation to attorneys, either on their own laptops or loaners courtesy of the reporter. A videographer can also be provided. They are skilled technicians who can step in to resolve any technical difficulties, in addition to recording the proceedings in high definition.

6. Get help with logistics from a locally knowledgeable agency

Ask your international court reporting agency for help with hotel, deposition, and travel arrangements. Better than referring you to the best location, they can reserve it on your behalf and take care of all related details, from security to catering. They not only know which locations can handle the technical aspects of the deposition, they will take care of test calls, printing and shredding needs for your exhibits, and can offer advice as to how to reach the smaller towns from the big ones.

Travel assistance may also be available to the traveling court reporter and visiting legal teams. International court reporting agencies can arrange escort to and from airports and train stations. They can ensure you have the correct ticket and are on the right track.

To learn more about conducting depositions in Asia and around the world, request access to the Planet Depos International Deposition Guide. 

Workplace stress is a daily hazard for the busy paralegal, attorney, court reporter, and anyone working towards critical legal deadlines and deliverables. Add international depositions on the horizon can add headaches to the downtime of getting there. Long hours and heavy workloads—especially in crunch time—can send any legal professional’s stress levels skyrocketing. That stress can consume your personal and professional life.

Finding healthy ways to minimize stress is extremely important. When not properly addressed, stress can negatively impact a person’s general well-being. Physically, stress can raise blood pressure, stop healthy eating habits, and impinge on time for physical activity. Psychologically, all work and no play can drive away other people and damage self-image. Being overwhelmed with all you have to do can stop you from remembering all you have accomplished. A healthy work-life balance will help you handle both better. Here are a few tips to help:

1.TIME OUT! Take a Moment for Yourself

Set aside some time each day to gather your thoughts, take stock, decompress, or whatever you want to call it. But make a point of doing it — no matter what!

SCHEDULE YOU TIME. Literally put it on the calendar as “unavailable” or “busy.” Choose a day or two a week with specific time to see a friend or do something that makes you feel work-free. To be successful:

• Pick a time that will likely work with your daily schedule.
• Schedule things you’ll look forward to, like a date with a friend or buy tickets ahead to a movie you really want to see.
• Set phone reminders a day ahead.
• Do NOT break plans with yourself or anyone.
• Put this time on your shared or work calendar if you have one. You don’t have to share details. Just put “appointment” if that works.

For example, prepare mentally in the early morning by walking your dog. Having that block of time set aside every day can help relax and set a positive focus for the day. The brisk pace of a pooch helps get the endorphins going first thing and takes care of the next stress-busting boost, too!

ON THE JOB: Take a moment in the moment. Rather than waiting until your heart rate is up, your patience is low, and you feel like crying in the bathroom while eating a box of chocolate cream bombs — go for a walk. Or, take a moment to breathe. Get a tea for a no- or low- calorie break.

When you are busy, you can feel overwhelmed and think that taking a minute is counterproductive. You just have too much to do. But, taking a few minutes can increase focus and performance — as well as boosting morale and team-building for those around you.

COMBINE WORKPLACE STRESS BUSTERS! Finding a friend to walk, go to the gym, or cook with can really help pack in the stress-busting habits that will keep you happier and more productive. Can’t think of anyone? Consider joining a local club, class, or activity group.

2. HEALTH: Get Proper Exercise and Nutrition

Lots of people hate this one and are sick of hearing it. But there’s a reason people are resistant to hearing this: because it’s true. Being stressed can make the quick fix, feel-good of the candy dish pile on pounds and cause your blood sugar to tank. In reality, that nutritional deficit is a big no-no that leaves your defenses weaker.

EXERCISE. The psychological benefits of exercise are just as great as the physical benefits. You don’t have to train for a Spartan race! Just find a form of exercise that appeals to you, come up with a schedule and stick with it, and enjoy the difference.

GET OUT! Just being outside can quickly release stress. Try to get out for afternoon walks or take breaks for stretching or going around the block. Seeing a blue sky and some greenery is good for you.

BE YOUR OWN NUTRITIONIST. What you eat also greatly affects your energy levels and moods. Again, you don’t have to go crazy, but replacing unhealthy items in your grocery cart with fresh fruits and vegetables will have a tremendous impact. Look for quick, nutritious recipes to try. You may find cooking relaxes you!

3. MINDFULNESS: Focusing on the Task at Hand and Being Prepared Relieve Workplace Stress

Mindfulness is all the rage — and for a reason. Taking stock of the moment or taking a moment to take stock and appreciate all you have is incredible for busting stress. If you can, a few minutes of simply walking or sitting somewhere with a little view and focusing on your breath can break dull moments, anger, stress, or anxiety.

CHECK THAT WORKPLACE STRESS! We all have those days we know in advance will be overwhelming because there is so much to do. Checklists can make a hectic day more manageable. Come up with the list in advance, and literally check off tasks as they are completed. It will keep you focused on each task in its place, motivated as you proceed down the list, and give you that earned sense of accomplishment.

DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP over incomplete tasks, delays, or minor mistakes. Instead, use it to go forward stronger:

• Look at the moment or series of events leading up to the setback.
• Assess what you could have done better. (Including asking for help.)
• Transform the disadvantage into an advantage by learning from it.
• Move on.

Beating yourself up distracts you from seeing the positive and getting more done. Every mistake is an opportunity to reassess, ask for help, and grow.

4. GET HELP! Realistic Workloads and Asking for Help Keeps Teams Strong

When it comes to the busy caseloads, working with the right court reporting professionals does exactly that: removes stress triggers.

GET HELP AND STRENGTHEN TEAM BONDS. Here are a few ways to increase team spirit and reduce workplace stress on the job:

• Let your boss or project leads know where you are at and how you honestly are doing managing your workload.
• Have regular meetings — scheduled or worked into daily coffee routines — that allow you to all stay in the know about workloads.
• Ask for help from colleagues.
• Offer help to colleagues when you have time. Team spirit will soar and your goodwill will come back around.
• When working overtime, keep a log and ask for that time to be compensated in some way. An extra work-from-home day or day off can really help decompress after busy deadlines.
• Celebrate the victories. Team dinners and celebrations help build bonds and reward high-stress crunch times.

GET OUTSIDE HELP FROM SKILLED PROFESSIONALS. Crunch times need more staff than the day-to-day. Outside help during high-volume times or out-of-town business helps keep loyal employees fresh, focused, and safe from burn-out.

With a trusted, reputable agency covering your proceedings you don’t need to worry about the reporter being late or unprofessional:

• You know your transcripts will be in your online repository on the due date.
• You know the video will be top quality high definition, synced to the transcript if that’s what you requested.
• You know the customer service throughout will be second to none.

That knowledge relieves the worry of the unexpected, so you can confidently focus on other pressing matters with significantly less weight on your shoulders!

To schedule your next deposition, contact Planet Depos at scheduling@planetdepos.com or international@planetdepos.com for seamless coverage of your proceedings, wherever they may be taking place.

Eating can be a very foreign and disorienting experience for foreigners in Asia. However, it is an incredibly important social and business setting. Know how to politely navigate meals and drinks in China. Having proper dining etiquette is part of having good business etiquette.

When doing business in China, creating a personal relationship is important. Meals are an important part of that, but do not discuss business at meals.

It’s also important to note a few basic rules for dining etiquette in China:

• Learn to use chopsticks before going (etiquette below).
• Taste everything you are not allergic to or violates medical or religious reasons.
• The bowl tells all. Never leave a full bowl, but also do not empty your bowl entirely—the former shows that you don’t approve of the food, while the latter implies the host did not give you enough.
• Defer to the host. Sit, eat, and drink after the host and respected elders or honored people. The host will also pick up the bill for the meal.

Follow these travel tips for business or recreational trips to China.

Dining Etiquette in China

From start to finish, manners are an important part of nonverbal communication for the Chinese. Not following proper dining etiquette can ruin business opportunities.

At the beginning of the meal, sit only where and when the host directs you to. At a round table, the guest of honor is seated to the right of the host. The next in line to the left of the host.

The Start of the Meal

Hosting is an ongoing role throughout dinner, beginning with seating and inviting guests to enjoy the meal. The host will likely make a starting toast or speech.

Before eating, you will receive a hot towel. These are often in lieu of napkins and are for your face and hands. Another towel will come after the meal is over.

Do not start eating or drinking before the host and elders. They will also set the pace for eating.

Family Style Meals in China

Most meals in China are taken family style, which is a number of shared plates put centrally on a table. The tables are usually round. The host will do the ordering or a banquet-style meal will be provided by the restaurant. Meals will come in courses, so sample each plate rather than filling up early.

Often, there will be a rotating portion of the table, which is called a lazy Susan.

Minding the Lazy Susan

• If there is a lazy Susan, be careful to not hoard the good food by you or continue taking from those plates before they have circulated.
• Do not bump the lazy Susan while someone is serving themselves.
• Never take the last piece of food unless offered by the host. It is considered a show of greed.

Leave Food on Your Plate

• Leave a small portion of food on your plate at the end of each course.
• Each dish should have a portion left to assure the host that there was enough food and it was all pleasing.
• Fried rice or noodles is served as a final course. It is symbolically presented to show that the meal is ending. Do not eat this. This portion of food is simply to signal satisfaction.

Toothpicks are common between courses or at the end of a meal. Using a toothpick at the table is polite. However, use it with one hand and cover your mouth with the other. It’s never okay to put your hands in your mouth. Whenever you do something involving your mouth, cover it with your hand.

Travel Tips for Asia: What Not to do With Chopsticks

Chopsticks aren’t sticks. They are a real utensil. Treat them like you would a knife at a Western dinner table and you will likely do pretty well.

All food items, with the exception of soup, are eaten with chopsticks. There are a number of rules of etiquette for chopsticks. Look for a chopstick stand for a safe place to courteously rest your chopsticks when they are not in use.

Do not do any of the following with chopsticks:

• Fidget or twiddle
• Point or wave with chopsticks
• Stick chopsticks straight out of rice bowls
• Stir or stab food
• Lick chopsticks
• Pick through a shared plate for the pieces you want. Take from the plate in front of you and wait for the plates to come to you.
• Lay your chopsticks across each other in an x-pattern or leave them pointing directly at someone.
• In someone’s home, if serving utensils are not present, move items into your bowl with the non-eating ends of your chopsticks.

How to Handle Common Chinese Foods and Beverages

Food and beverages are highly ritualized in China. It is also a very different palate than Westerners are used to. Delicacies in China that are prepared special for honored guests may be off-putting. For example, blood, insects like scorpion, snake, and even dog meat may be offered as premium delicacies. Do not show disgust.

Manners suggest that you should at least try everything in China. 

Know how to politely handle dishes that may be different or difficult for foreigners.

Tea Service

Guests are not supposed to pour tea for themselves. Traditionally, whoever has the tea next to them is to pour tea for the table, beginning with the host.

If someone pours you tea, you can tap two fingers on the table to show appreciation or say thank you.

Fish and Bones

• Fish will be served head-on with the mouth facing the guest of honor.
• Do not turn the fish over. Allow the host or server to debone before partaking.
• Spitting bones onto the plate is more acceptable than removing them from your mouth with your hands or chopsticks.

Heads-On

Many dishes will have identifiable body parts or the heads left on, such as whole duck. You are not required to eat the head.

Rice

• Hold the bowl to your mouth and scoop rice into your mouth.

Understanding Tea at Business Meetings

Tea will be served. Wait for the most-senior person to start sipping. That person sipping shows the meeting is going well or continuing. When this person stops drinking tea, it may be a signal that the meeting is ended.

Drinking Etiquette and Business in China

You will be expected to go to drinks with business counterparts. You should say yes, but expect that you may be tested. Try not to schedule much for the next day. The Chinese are not inclined towards softer alcohols like wine or beer.

Women are the exception to the drinking culture. Traditionally, women do not drink in public—even at meals.

If you do not want to drink, give a medical reason.

Drinking Etiquette at Dinner

Alcoholic beverages are not usually had before a meal. When it is, beer is usually poured from shared bottles and drinking is done family style.

• Only have alcohol if others are partaking.
• Wait for a toast to be given and the host to drink before drinking yourself.
• Never pour your own drink.
• Unlike the Japanese and Koreans, tipsiness is unacceptable in China. If you have had enough, smile and abstain from drinking.

Paying the Bill for Meals or Drinks

• It’s a matter of honor to pay the bill. Bills are not split in China.
• It is a good show and helps protect and bolster the honor of the people involved to argue to pay the bill or reach for the bill. The host will likely refuse, but this is a customary show of not aiming for a free meal.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is considered rude, insinuating the person who is being tipped hasn’t enough money.

Dining in Someone’s Home

It is rare to be invited to someone’s home. Entertaining is usually done in public. If you are invited to someone’s home, it is a great honor. If you cannot make it, give a detailed and good reason.

When invited to someone’s home, be sure to:

• Arrive punctually, much as you would for a business meeting.
• Bring a small gift for the hostess.
• Take your shoes off when arriving. (Be prepared.)
• Follow good table manners and eat well to show appreciation.

Dining rituals are fundamental in Japan. While there for business, you may have occasion to eat or take tea with someone. Sushi is very popular in the United States, but as much as you may like it you are likely eating it wrong. That’s not a big deal in the States, but it may reflect poorly on you in Japan. How to eat sushi the right way may surprise you. Did you know you aren’t supposed to use chopsticks to eat sushi, but you do with soup?

Follow these tips on Japanese dining etiquette to make the best impression:

At the Start of the Meal

O-shibori occurs at the start of the meal. Before touching anything, a warm towel is provided to wipe your hands. Unlike in China, this is not okay to use on your face. In homes or places without the warm towel, you are expected to wash your hands just prior.

Customary phrases are part of Japanese dining etiquette. Wait until the guest of honor, host, or server makes a gesture to begin, usually one expressing gratitude. At the beginning, you say “itadaki-masu”. This means “I humbly receive” and is part of showing appreciation. At the end of the meal, you say “gochisou-sama” or “gochisosama deshita” to say thank you.

How to Use Chopsticks the Right Way

Using chopsticks has unique etiquette, called o-hashi. You can easily seem coarse or insult fellow diners without knowing. Be sure not to point, wave, or gesture with chopsticks. Do not lick chopsticks. When you are using chopsticks, be careful not to rub them together. That intimates that the chopsticks are cheap.

Meals usually involve conversation, but it’s rude to talk while holding your chopsticks. Put down your chopsticks while talking.

O-hashi, or Chopstick Etiquette

• For paper-wrapped chopsticks, provided there is no chopstick rest: remove the wrapper and lay chopsticks to the right of your bowl or plate. The connected portion should be at the top of your plate. Fold your wrapper horizontally and knot it. This knot can be placed at the two-o’clock position. Use this to rest the food-touching part of your chopsticks when not in use.
• Only once you have created a rest should you break wooden chopsticks apart over your lap, not the plate. You should only rub wooden chopsticks together.
• If there is a serving set of chopsticks, use those and not your own to serve.
• If there is no serving set of chopsticks, use the back end of your chopsticks to serve.
• Use chopsticks for all food—even difficult food—except sushi.
• Do not pass food with chopsticks, which happens at funeral rituals.
• Do not pull bowls or plates with your chopsticks.
• Avoid sticking your chopsticks straight up from your rice. This is an Asian wide way of offering rice to the dead.
• Never point or gesture with chopsticks.
• Never cross chopsticks in an x-pattern or separate them on opposing sides of the plate. If no rest is available, lay them next to each other north-to-south on the right side of the plate.

Sitting on a Traditional Tatami Mat or Zabuton Pillow

Eating out in Japan, you may come across mats or pillows placed on a raised floor instead of chairs. Be prepared to remove your shoes and sit correctly. That means clean socks with no holes or well-cared for feet.

• You will be expected to remove your shoes.
• After removing your shoes, step immediately up to the mat to avoid getting dirt on the clean dining area.
• Once you have stepped into the mat area, or tatami room, bow to the guests without talking or hand shaking.
• Take your seat as directed.
• Sit on your heels.
• If the host allows you to make yourself “comfortable” you may move into a cross-legged position if you are a man. If you are a woman, you have been invited to sit with your legs tucked to one side. Do not spread legs in front of your body.

Wait to be seated. There is a seat of honor in Japanese culture called the kamiza. This is usually farthest from the entrance.

Tea and Drinks

When you are greeted, even in business, tea will often be served. Do not drink the tea right away. Wait for the host to begin drinking tea first. Take sips from the tea. Avoid finishing it too quickly.

You may be presented special small cakes at a tea service. Hold the plate to your chest with one hand. Do not get crumbs anywhere but the plate.

There are very specific rituals for tea ceremonies. If you are invited to one, research the proper etiquette. You will be expected to drink and bow in specific order.

If out for drinks or if drinks are served with dinner, be mindful of your company. Wait for everyone to have a full glass and raise a toast before drinking. The toast will be “Kanpai.”

Sake is served cold or hot. Unfiltered sake is creamier in appearance and a little sweeter. If the sake is served in a box on a plate, it will likely be overpoured so there is spill. This is to show abundance. Leave the sake on the plate. Do not drink it.

Never pour your own beverage. When pouring a drink, the bottle should always be poured forward. Pouring backward is considered an insult. Watch others to get the technique down.

Yes, karaoke bars are popular even with the most serious of people. If you are invited, you will be expected to sing. Don’t worry if you have a bad voice.

Holding a Bowl

It’s okay to slurp, especially when eating udon or soup. However, it is not okay to spill everywhere. If eating from small bowls, it’s okay to bring the bowl to your mouth or chest rather than spill. Crumbs are a no-no.

Leave a Little

Leaving a little of each item shows that there was enough food. No clean plate clubs here.

However, do not leave shells in the bowl they were served in. If you have a dish with shells, like clams, put the emptied shells onto a separate plate or the lid of the bowl.

How to Eat Sushi

You have likely been eating sushi wrong. Sushi is different than maki or sashimi. Maki is the rolls that are cut. Sahsimi is the raw fish without the rice. You can use chopsticks for both of those, but not sushi.

• Avoid putting a lot of soy sauce in your dipping bowl. You should only have a trace left when done.
• Do not put wasabi onto the fish, but mix it without spilling into the soy sauce.
• Use your fingers to pick up sushi, not your chopsticks.
• Gently touch the fish side of your sushi to the soy sauce rather than dipping the rice.
• Avoid leaving rice floating in the bowl.
• All sushi or maki should be eaten in one, single bite. Do not bite pieces in half.

Soup, Noodles, and Rice

It’s normal to slurp when eating noodles. The Japanese believe that inhaling air while eating noodles brings out the full taste.

To consume soup:

• Eat all solid pieces with chopsticks, holding the bowl close to your mouth to help scoop items into your mouth.
• Once the solids are eaten, put the chopsticks aside. Sip broth from the bowl, holding it with both hands.

Rice is eaten like soup, held to the mouth and scooped from the bowl. You can eat the rice after the main course as its own dedicated course. Alternately, you can hold a bit of the main course over the bowl (held to your chest). Take a bite of the main dish and then put a bite of rice into your mouth quickly after.

Paying for a Meal

Take and give things, like money, with both hands. The bill is generally paid in its entirety by the person who invites the rest to dinner. Tipping is considered rude, so do not leave money in addition to the bill. Now you know how to eat sushi and most of what you’ll need for your next trip to Japan.

Sweden is a modern Scandinavian country with about 85% of the population living in urban areas. As a member of the European Union, it is an easy country to navigate provided you have your passport in order. About one-fifth of its population is foreign born, so the Swedish are used to outsiders. Nonetheless, the primary language is Swedish. While there are a number of English speakers, it’s not even one of their six official languages. Doing business in Sweden requires you understand a few things about Swedish culture. The Swedish are deeply invested in what they consider important.

Swedish Culture: No Nonsense When It Comes to Nature

It may be a constitutional monarchy, but Sweden’s natural landscape is decidedly public. It has over 24,000 little islands and a ton of nature, which the Swedish cherish. That means:

DO NOT LITTER

You shouldn’t litter anywhere, but it is especially rude to this environmentally friendly nation. Generally, you want to show respect for the environment when there. The Swedish are highly invested in eliminating waste. They don’t like disposable plastic bottles or being unconscientious. Recycling is serious. And, they take great pride in Sweden’s natural resources and outdoor recreation.

Inclusive Politically and Socially

Swedish culture is rooted in liberal values, including strong protections against discrimination and for civil rights, public access, and freedoms of expression. They are a leader in gender equality.

The third largest foreign-born population in Sweden is Syrian and the fourth is Iraqi. The Swedish are very inclusive and socially conscientious. They have some of the most comparatively liberal beliefs. If you have personally held beliefs that conflict with these ideas, it is unwise to discuss or show negative feelings.

In general, the Swedes do not appreciate political debates — particularly with foreigners. Complaining is also considered extremely insulting and uncouth.

Mind Your Personal Space

The Swedish are notoriously into having their “space.” It’s a concept familiar to most Californians, but not everyone in the United States or elsewhere. Mind not to stand too close or hover around people.

Swedes are not touchy. A handshake is sufficient and not sustained. Do not hug, pat, or touch people.

Speak, Dress, and Act Like a Stoic

Since the Vikings, Swedish culture has been marked by Calvinism, Lutheran Orthodoxy, and an overall coming and going of some rather sober philosophies. In keeping, the Swedish tend to be subdued and stoical. To blend in while doing business:

• Do not engage in idle chit-chat.
• Avoid flashy dress.
• Maintain eye contact and sincerity.
• Be conservative with complimenting or prying into someone’s personal life.
• Keep makeup and jewelry minimal.
• Don’t show off or be superficial.
• Try not to be loud or draw attention to yourself.
• Avoid talking loudly or big gestures.

Enjoy the silence. For the Swedish, the idea of an uncomfortable silence does not exist. Conversation for the sake of itself is not a problem.

Do not brag. Swedish culture is famous for jantelagen, or downplaying individual accomplishment. The commonly held cultural value is epitomized by ten rules, called the Law of Jante or the Jante’s Shield:

• You’re not to think you are anything special.
• You’re not to think you are as good as we are.
• You’re not to think you are smarter than we are.
• You’re not to imagine yourself better than we are.
• You’re not to think you know more than we do.
• You’re not to think you are more important that we are.
• You’re not to think you are good at anything.
• You’re not to laugh at us.
• You’re not to think anyone cares about you. 
• You’re not to think you can teach us anything.

These laws come from a fictional novel written by Aksel Sandemose in 1933. Sandemose’s satire addressed the collectivist attitude of the Scandinavians.

Democratic Values are the Norm in Swedish Culture

Whether at work or out and about, Swedish culture is very democratic. The monarchy exists pretty much in title only. Titles and hierarchies do not impress the Swedes. When doing business in Sweden, pay respect to everyone. Everyone is given a voice. In fact, the four fundamental laws that structure their government and Swedish culture are:

• The Institute of Government
• The Act of Succession
• The Freedom of the Press Act
• The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression

Because of the flat business structure, business decisions and deals often fall to more junior employees than elsewhere. It’s always wise to be polite to everyone in Sweden.

Work-Life Balance

The Swedish do not live to work, instead they prioritize time with loved ones. They are unlikely to give up personal time or take meetings that conflict with normal work hours or expectations.

Breaks and meals, including fika, are not worked through.

Down to Business

Much as the Swedes do not like small talk, they are always ready to talk business. Unlike other countries that may require socialization and the establishment of a personal relationship before bringing up business, Swedish culture is very no-nonsense. Business lunches and meetings are about business.

For meetings, this no-nonsense approach also means they will be more interested in well-articulated facts and figures than flashy pitches.

Swedish businesspeople will avoid conflict.

Always put things in writing. Verbal agreements and phone calls are not considered sufficient.

Coffee Breaks: Fika for Life

Caffeine powers Swedish culture. They are one of the top three world coffee consumers. Called Fika, getting coffee (or a coffee break) is fundamental in Swedish culture. It’s often used as a social time to chat and have a sweet with friends.

Coffee is serious in Sweden, too, often serving as informal business meetings. If you are asked to coffee, this is a great opportunity to get some business done.

Business Meetings

At a lunch or dinner, the most important guest sits to the right of the host.

Punctuality is also very important to the Swedes. If you are running late, be sure to call and let them know. However, it’s best to be early. They likely will be. Punctuality also extends to the end of meetings, which is promptly done at the agreed meeting end time. They will indicate this by beginning to pack up at the predetermined time.

Note that when scheduling a meeting, you should aim for:

• Meetings between 10am and 2pm.
• Scheduling enough time to complete everything on your agenda.
• Avoiding the holiday months of July, August, and February (people are gone).

Handshakes are brief and strong. They start and conclude meetings.

Titles are not important. Even in important business, it’s perfectly fine to be on a first name basis. This does not require special permission from whomever you are addressing.

Dressing business casual is the norm in Sweden. It’s not quite denim and tee shirts. But it’s also not common to wear a suit. If you have questions about dress code for any event, asking will be welcome.

Because everyone is valued, the mood of workplaces is more relaxed than many places. It’s a mistake to confuse this light mood for being too slack. Maintain a friendly but efficient approach to work and business counterparts. Do not show disrespect by chewing gum, slouching, or being too casual.