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Five Essential Websites for International Travel

by | Jan 11, 2017 | 0 Comments

By Suzanne Quinson

5 Essential Websites for International TravelPreparing for international travel can be intimidating.  This need not be, however, with proper organization and accurate information.  Read on to discover five websites with the information you need to know before booking your flight and hotel!

  1. The State Department – Here you can check on:
    1. Visa Requirements
    2. Passport requirements
    3. Travel Alerts and Warnings
    4. Useful information about your destination, i.e., safety considerations, cultural information, etc.
    5. Local S. Embassy information
    6. Enrollment in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –Information regarding:
    1. Required and/or recommended pre-travel vaccinations
    2. Eating/drinking considerations for your destination
    3. Travel health notices
  3. World Travel Guide – Useful to look up:
    1. Climate/seasonal information
    2. Touristy tips – restaurants, shopping, events and the like
  4. OANDA – Currency conversion
  5. Planet Depos – Here you can find:
    1. Court reporting, videography, interpretation services, wherever your depositions take you
    2. Useful travel information
    3. The International Deposition Guide
    4. The International Scheduling Team

For more specific information or assistance, please contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.

Five Tips for Taking Depositions in South Korea

Five Tips for Taking Depositions in South Korea

by | Dec 14, 2016 | 0 Comments

South Korea

By Katelin Myers

Are you heading off to South Korea for the first time on a mission to take a deposition and not sure where to start? Here are a few quick tips to help avoid international pitfalls:

  1. Location, Location, Location! Need a location for your deposition? There are numerous conference room and videoconference sites available in South Korea. However, locations in providences outside of Seoul, such as Suwon, Incheon, and others, may not have many of the amenities or conveniences of the city. Booking a site in or near your hotel will help with some of the logistical details, such as printing, transportation, shredding, etc.
  1. Make Sure the Dates and Times Match! Taking a videoconference from 9am-5pm? Be sure your location knows if that’s in U.S. or Korea time! The 12-to 15-hour difference (depending on where you are in the U.S.) can be a bit confusing when planning a videoconference or deposition over the phone, but it’s vital for execution. If you schedule a videoconference during business hours in Seoul, then make sure your U.S. center will be open after hours to host the call.
  1. Need a Lift? Like driving in New York, D.C., or other busy cities, make sure you plan for extra drive time in Korea! Due to recent re-planning efforts, the roadways are currently being updated and thus causing major delays. If you plan to take a taxi to your deposition location, you may want to leave quite a bit early to get there on time!
  1. Location Pronunciation. Now, you don’t have to be fluent in Korean to get around in Seoul, but having a basic understanding of the general pronunciation can help in preventing travel delays, location misunderstandings, and ease some language barriers. For example, do you have a deponent on Jeju Island? Make sure to pronounce it “Che-chu” but spell it “Jeju,” otherwise this might lead to some confusion (and note Google maps and other map applications don’t always recognize the phonetic spelling of these locations).
  1. 24-Hour Printing & Copying Service. Have some late-night and last-minute exhibits to print? Well, in Korea, you may run into challenges, as many printing locations are not open 24 hours (with the exclusion of some Kinkos sites). For big printing jobs, it’s better to have the local reporting team send it to a reliable printer for printing, binding, and delivery. For smaller jobs, staying at a hotel with a 24-hour business center is always useful for late-night printing jobs.

These tips, as well as working with a reliable and experienced court reporting firm, can go a long way in simplifying the process of taking a deposition in South Korea. Just contact Planet Depos at international@planetdepos.com or 888.433.3767 for more information and helpful travel tips!

Nine Passport Tips for International Depositions

by | Nov 9, 2016 | 0 Comments

By Suzanne Quinson

International depositions require more planning (and time) than depositions here in the U.S.  Travel requirements are a big part of that. Below are a few tips regarding your passport to ensure you aren’t turned away at the gate en route to your depositions!

Double-check Passport/Visa Requirements

  1. How many blank pages are needed for entry/exit stamps? For example, Belgium requires 2, Korea requires 1.
  2. Is a visa required? If so, how long is the process to obtain one? *See recent changes to the India visa process below.
  3. The State Department is a handy tool to quickly review requirements and handle them expeditiously!

India typically requires visitors to apply for visas at an Indian Embassy or Consulate prior to entering the country. This can involve a lengthy wait. However, visitors to India on casual business, planning on staying 30 days or fewer, have the option of applying for an electronic travel authorization at least 4 days before their arrival and receive a visa upon arrival in India. It is recommended to bring a letter of invitation from a local law firm, and you will need six months’ validity on your passport from the date of arrival in India, as well as a return or onward travel ticket.

Renew in Advance

  1. Make note of the expiration date on your passport and set an alarm to renew 7-8 months ahead of that date if you are likely to be traveling internationally in that time frame.
  2. The application fee to renew your passport book is $110.
  3. Standard processing time is four to six weeks, including mailing time.

Need to Expedite?  Here’s How!

  1. If you’re traveling within two weeks or need a foreign visa within four weeks, you can make an appointment at a passport center.
  2. There is a $60 fee to expedite.
  3. Expedited processing time is typically two to three weeks, including mailing time.

Your international court reporting agency can also assist with any travel-related inquiries. Whether you have questions about passports or visas, traveling with exhibits, hotels, etc., they have the experience and knowledge to help! Contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.

Oktoberfest Musings

by | Sep 29, 2016 | 0 Comments

By Suzanne Quinson

Fall is very nearly upon us, and it is even starting to feel a little bit like it here in our nation’s capital. Advertising is underway for local Oktoberfest celebrations, promising good German beer, music, (and, of course, dirndls and lederhosen!) and revelry without having to fly across the Atlantic. This Bavarian tradition, the largest beer festival in the world, has been annually celebrated for just over 200 years in the beautiful city of Munich. Over six million spectators arrive each year to join the celebration, consuming well over a million gallons of beer (remember, this is good German beer!) in the course of the 16-day extravaganza, which actually starts in September in Munich.

As mentioned in previous blogs, having an understanding of the local culture and history when traveling internationally for depositions can be extremely helpful. It can also suggest ideas of how to spend any spare time while you are a guest in that country. To that end, read on for a brief history of Oktoberfest and Munich sites to visit should your case take you to Germany.

Oktoberfest was initiated in 1810, when citizens of Munich were invited to a public celebration of the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Saxon-Hidburghausen Princess Therese. The celebration spanned 5 days and included a horse race!  Oktoberfest included the horse race for 150 years, with the last race taking place in 1960. As the years went on, the annual celebration grew larger and more elaborate, with Germany’s first roller coaster making its debut at Oktoberfest 1908!

Should your German travels not coincide with the huge festival, don’t despair. Munich and the outlying area offer much in the way of entertainment even without the massive beer tents and performers. The English Garden is stunning (but don’t be shocked if you see a nude German or dozen if you go in the summertime, as they enjoy nude sunbathing). Neuschwanstein Castle (and the steep walk leading up to it!) will take your breath away. It’s no wonder Ludwig II was content to withdraw into this gorgeous castle upon losing his sovereignty.

Munich is a good 200+ miles from Frankfurt, but is reachable by train (German trains are comfortable, clean, and prompt!) with enjoyable scenery along the route. Remember that Germany is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention and has placed certain restrictions on voluntary depositions of German citizens. Depositions by U.S. attorneys must be conducted at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt, upon approval from the German Ministry of Justice. Previous blogs go over the process of scheduling a deposition in Frankfurt in detail.

The court reporter and videographer, as residents or at least frequent visitors of Frankfurt, can provide recommendations as far as restaurants and interesting historical sites to visit in the city. The rather strict hours of the U.S. Consulate will allow you ample time to work on your case from your hotel (again, the reporting agency can provide recommendations) or play the tourist! Even better, the realtime reporter, videographer, and interpreter will work seamlessly to ensure your deposition goes smoothly, allowing you the peace of mind to perhaps schedule an extra day or two to enjoy this hospitable and charming city.

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

From Passports to Hand Gestures – What You Need to Know When Traveling Abroad

by | Aug 18, 2016 | 0 Comments

By Julia Alicandri

Whether you’re a court reporter or an attorney, there’s a chance you will require business travel internationally. Thorough preparation is critical in making your travel less stressful.

For starters, make sure your passport is valid at least six months beyond the date of your trip. Some airlines won’t even allow you to board if you don’t follow this rule. When selecting a hotel, ask the court reporting firm for recommendations. They will make suggestions based on the location of your deposition, as well as any other specifications you may have. The court reporting firm can also suggest the best way to travel to and from the airport, meal options, and the best sightseeing — and from a local perspective!

Mentally preparing for an international trip is just as critical as physical preparation. Recognizing the culture of the country that you’re visiting is very important. Without proper research, you can easily offend someone without saying a word, and you may never know it. For example, wiggling your index finger with your palm up in the United States is a signal for asking someone to step forward. However, in the Philippines, it is only used to beckon dogs and is considered very rude if aimed at a person. In France, touching your face below the eye with your index finger indicates you don’t believe the person with whom you’re speaking. Of course, we’d never want to unknowingly offend a client or business associate.

With team members around the world, Planet Depos employees are always ready to help. Whether you need to schedule a deposition or arbitration, recommendations for sightseeing, or advice on the culture, we’ve got you covered! Contact us at international@planetdepos.com for more information.

Choukokuji: The Tokyo Zendo Experience

by | Jul 7, 2016 | 0 Comments

By Tom Feissner

Dogen Zenji (19 January 1200 – 22 September 1253) is widely considered to be the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The order that he founded, commonly referred to as the Soto Zen School, is one of the leading Buddhist denominations in Japan today. What distinguishes Soto Zen from other forms of Buddhism is its emphasis on sitting meditation, known as zazen, as the most direct way of obtaining enlightenment. The zazen methods established by Dogen in the 13th century continue to be observed to the present day.

Programs abound in Japan for those interested in practicing zazen according to Dogen’s method. One such program can be found at Choukokuji, a long-established Soto Buddhist temple located in the heart of Tokyo. At Choukokuji, priests and monks-in-training offer instruction in sitting meditation to lay practitioners in the same zendo that the monks use for their own practice.

The Choukokuji experience is so true to its origins that only Japanese is spoken in the zendo. Foreigners are welcome to attend Monday night introductory sessions, but are advised to bring their own interpreter. In keeping with Buddhist tradition, only a token fee is charged. For beginners there exists no better or more authentic introduction to zazen than that provided at Choukokuji.

Choukokuji Buddha Hall. Image by Tom Feissner.

Choukokuji Buddha Hall. Image by Tom Feissner.

In his book, “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind,” Soto Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki writes, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” In this passage Suzuki encourages us to do everything as if we were doing it for the first time, so as not to take our experiences for granted.

Choukokuji Temple Gate. Image by Tom Feissner.

Choukokuji Temple Gate. Image by Tom Feissner.

Similarly, we at Planet Depos are among the world’s most experienced court reporting and video professionals. But rather than take our experience for granted, we prefer to take a more enlightened approach to what we do. Maintaining a beginner’s mind allows us to see the possibilities that others do not, finding solutions that others overlook. In this way, we are able to consistently ensure our clients a Zen-like experience when working in Asia.

To experience the difference that a locally dedicated court reporting and video team can make, please contact Planet Depos at 888-433-3767, or email us at international@planetdepos.com when scheduling your next international deposition or arbitration.

Japan Deposition Tip – Go to Hawaii

by | Jun 16, 2016 | 0 Comments

By Suzanne Quinson

In a previous blog, we highlighted the value of local court reporters and videographers when taking depositions in Japan. Japan’s detailed and time-consuming steps for taking depositions, particularly the deposition visa requirements and expenses involved with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, can make the process of scheduling and taking depositions there a harrowing project. However, the taking of depositions in Japan legally requires strict adherence to the guidelines. As videoconference is not permitted at the Embassy or Consulate, deposing your witness from the States is out of the question also. There is another option, though, if the witness is willing to travel – take the depositions in Hawaii!

Hawaii is a vacation destination popular with both Americans and Japanese, so it may be easy to have all parties stipulate to holding the depositions there. With Hawaii as the scenic backdrop for your depositions, you have singlehandedly eliminated the deposition visa requirement, location and videoconference restrictions (mobile videoconference is now an option as well!), and other bureaucratic hoops. Hawaii has countless luxury hotels to host your depositions and any related meetings in comfort and style. The court reporting agency can reserve a conference room on your behalf, and the reporter and videographer can coordinate all the details of the location for you. Should any attendees be participating remotely, a test call will be conducted beforehand to confirm the connection speed, and the reporter can also stream realtime to such participants.

The agency will also reserve a Japanese interpreter, if one is needed for the witness. You can be confident the chosen interpreter will be experienced in the case subject matter, professional, and well prepared for the deposition. The reporter, videographer, and interpreter working together keep the depositions running smoothly, eliminating unnecessary delays and interruptions. They can assist with printing or shredding needs as well, freeing up more time for you to either prepare for the depositions or enjoy the beach.

With the time saved, thanks to not having to fly all the way to Japan, as well as by the efficient court reporting professionals assisting you and your team, you can partake in memorable vacation activities in Hawaii. There are breathtaking trails to hike, rainforests and volcanoes to explore (not for the faint-hearted) and, from what I’ve heard, the world’s best pineapple to savor. Hawaii’s islands offer glorious sunsets, snorkeling, whale watching and, of course, exquisite golf courses drawing golfers from all over the world.

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

Planet Depos CEO Lisa DiMonte Visits Korea for 2016 Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival

by | Jun 7, 2016 | 0 Comments

By Tom Feissner

Lanterns at Jogyesa.

Lanterns at Jogyesa.

Each spring, visitors from all over the world flock to Seoul to attend the Lotus Lantern Festival. Yeon Deung Hoe, as it’s known in Korea, began over 1,300 years ago during the Silla dynasty as an annual celebration to honor the birth of the Buddha. Since that time it has evolved from a purely religious observance to become a major cultural event. This year’s festival combined Korean folk music and folk dancing with high-tech light shows and video displays to create uniquely Korean multimedia performances. Exhibits showcasing everything from Buddhist temple food to traditional Korean costumes, known as hanbok, were also featured. Visitors were encouraged to take part in the festivities by crafting their own holiday decorations at special lantern-making demonstrations. The highlight of the three-day-long celebration is the Lotus Lantern Parade, which winds along Jongno Street from Dongdaemun Gate to Jogyesa Temple. With thousands of participants, each carrying their own lantern, the parade becomes a river of light flowing through the heart of Seoul.

The Planet Depos Korea Team

The Planet Depos Korea Team

While the origin of the Lotus Lantern Festival is deeply rooted in Korean Buddhism, the values it espouses transcend national and cultural boundaries. Dedication to one’s family, friends, and co-workers is an example of just one of the values given particular emphasis this year. In keeping with this spirit of dedication, Planet Depos CEO Lisa DiMonte made a pilgrimage to Seoul to join the Planet Depos Korea team in expressing their continuing commitment to serving the Korean community, the legal profession, and each other. Together they shared a communal, temple-style meal before joining the candlelight procession toward Jogyesa Temple. Upon reaching their destination, each member of the Planet Depos Korea team rang the temple bell as a gesture of their dedication, while all across the nation over 100,000 lanterns were lighted to symbolically transmit the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha.

To experience the difference that a locally dedicated court reporting and video team can make, please contact Planet Depos at 888.433.3767, or email us at international@planetdepos.com when scheduling your next international deposition or arbitration.

Tokyo’s New Train

by | May 12, 2016 | 0 Comments

There is a common sight in Japan — so common that it becomes almost invisible.  That sight is trains.  They are everywhere and I use them on a daily basis.  I’ve grown to love the convenience and reliability of the Japanese public transportation system. Let’s just say that the system back where I’m from is found… lacking.

There’s more to it than just getting around though.  There is an obsession here with all things on tracks.  There are toys, mascots, celebrations, and each line has its own distinctive cars.  The Keihan line to Kyoto from Osaka has the nicest burgundy-colored cars in the country.  My own personal favorite, though, is the futuristic Shinkansen, the so-called “bullet train.”

In an effort to stand out, some companies make really unique decisions.  Wakayama has an entire cat-themed train, for instance, and their station master is a real live cat!  Sometimes there are events as well.  When Ikea opened a new location in Tokyo, they decorated an entire train line with Ikea furniture and had a party for all the riders.

Which brings us to the Seibu Railway Company’s latest bid for uniqueness amongst Japanese trains.
The goal?  Make a train that appears invisible as it passes.  The mirrored surfaces reflect the passing scenery allowing it to blend into the background, unnoticed, unobtrusive, but fulfilling the requests by so many.

The way this train is designed has a ring of familiarity to it.  Living and working in Japan has brought a lot of lifestyle modifications, and one of them has been the process of slowly integrating into society.  This isn’t a foreign place to me anymore; it’s my home.  I’ve discovered and have been to places no tourist is ever going to go on a short trip (unless they ask me for some ideas, of course), and that makes me a little bit like Seibu’s new train.  Planet Depos has people all over Asia that are invisible, integrated residents of the communities where we live.  We can give advice and direction about all things local, while at the same time providing exceptional court reporting and related services for which Planet Depos is known.

I’ve already ordered my mirrored suit.

Perks to Depositions in South Korea

by | May 5, 2016 | 0 Comments

International depositions provide limitless opportunities for travel, often to exciting locales.  But will your destination have local U.S. -trained reporters and videographers to cover your depositions?  If your depositions are in South Korea, the answer to that question is yes!  You can take your deposition just as you would in the U.S., in a comfortable conference room, with realtime on your own laptop or a loaner from the reporter.  The videographer, while recording the proceedings in high definition, will step in to expeditiously resolve any technical issues which can sometimes arise.  Text and audio can be streamed to any participants who are unable to attend in person.

South Korea’s capital city of Seoul has several qualified interpreters with years of experience interpreting for depositions in all sorts of cases.  Partnering with a court reporting firm with a strong local presence ensures the best available interpreter is covering your depositions in South Korea.  A dedicated, professional interpreter providing accurate interpretation is vital to a smooth deposition, ensuring fewer interruptions, and a cleaner transcript.

In addition to saving money on travel expenses, partnering with local professionals for your depositions in South Korea can also provide an insider’s track on how to maximize your spare time to thoroughly enjoy your surroundings.  South Korea is a country with a rich history and culture, not to mention mouth-watering cuisine.  Be sure to ask the reporter, videographer, or interpreter for the best local restaurants, shops, and cultural centers.  They can also tell you the optimal times to visit these places.

The Statue of King Sejong the Great, with Hangeul projected on a water screen, is located in the Korean Main Plaza at Gwanghwamun Square.  Korea enjoyed more than 1,000 years of peace starting in the 7th century, under dynasties which lasted for centuries.  It was during this millennium of peace that Sejong the Great promulgated Hangeul, the Korean alphabet which enabled all Koreans to learn to read and write their language.  To this day, Hangeul is regarded as one of the world’s most systematic alphabets, and Korea celebrates Hangeul Day each October 9th.

While you are in Korea, you should treat your taste buds and try some local dishes.  Kimchi is a staple in the Korean diet, the most common variety consisting of napa cabbage that is preserved and lightly fermented in bright red chili flakes.  There is also kimchi stew, where the kimchi is boiled with chunks of fatty pork, with seasonings and additional ingredients until the stew bursts with flavor.  This is a popular everyday dish in Seoul.   If you are craving meat, pork bulgogi is a delectable indulgence.  This dish can be made of pork, chicken, or beef, cut into thin strips, then marinated in a sweet soy sauce with a generous share of garlic and sesame oil, and grilled.

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

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