Category: Travel - Page 2 of 9

At A Glance: Taking Depositions in Asia

by Suzanne Quinson | Aug 30, 2018 | 0 Comments

The most grueling part of taking depositions in Asia might be getting there. It’s true that taking depositions outside of the United States involves more coordination, time, and patience, but the process can and should be painless and worry-free. Allowing enough lead time is vital. Partnering with a global court reporting agency is, well, just plain smart. Depositions in Asia are much easier to coordinate with help from experienced professionals. Read on for a few things to keep in mind when your case takes you to this amazing part of the world.

No Depositions Allowed

Mainland China does not allow depositions. (Well, okay, ONE has been permitted, ever.) Do not try to take a deposition in China. What you can do, provided the witness is willing to travel, is take the deposition in Hong Kong. Hong Kong makes taking depositions easy and straightforward. Depositions of willing witnesses can be taken anywhere, with no prior permission required from the government. Hong Kong is a beautiful destination and offers fabulous accommodations both for your depositions and for your stay. It makes a delightful alternative to arrest, detainment or deportation, any of which can result from trying to take a deposition in China.

Depos Permitted, buuuut with a Few Rules

Mt. Fuji with red pagoda in autumn, Fujiyoshida, Japan

Depositions in Japan are legal, provided they are held on U.S. Embassy grounds in Tokyo or U.S. Consulate grounds in Osaka. This requirement begets deadlines, fees, and the dreaded (but really, not difficult to obtain, with proper planning) special deposition visa. Think of it as an opportunity to show off or improve your organization skills. At a glance, the requirements do seem daunting. It is just a very structured process, but with a global court reporting agency at your side, you will waltz right through it and onto the Embassy or Consulate grounds to take your depos and be out in time to enjoy this charming country and culture.

Travel that Far can be Pricey!

Another benefit to a global reporting agency? A truly global reporting agency, that is? They have reporters, videographers, and interpreters living around the globe. Travel to Asia is not cheap. Accommodations throughout Asia are not cheap. Working with on-the-ground professionals saves a lot of expense, as it eliminates most, if not all, travel costs for the court reporting team. While saving on cost, this resident team adds priceless value to your time in Asia, as they can offer tips on where to go, what to eat, and the like.

Take All the Depos you Please

Depos in South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Guam or Saipan involve no fancy requirements, nor restrictions as to where exactly they can be taken. Taking depos in Guam or Saipan is just like taking depos in the States, although the landscape is a trifle more tropical! The only real quandary with depos in any of these beautiful spots is how many extra days can you stay to enjoy your exotic surroundings. The on-the-ground team can offer advice on how to get the most out of however many extra days or even just hours you have available to explore.

Don’t Lose your Case to Misinterpretation!

Interpreters in Asia are highly sought-after professionals and book months in advance. Do not delay in contacting the court reporting agency as soon as possible to begin your quest for a skilled and experienced interpreter! Provide as much information as you are able in order to eliminate conflicts and procure the most capable, experienced interpreter available, versed in the subject matter of the case. Keep in mind that once reserved, these diligent professionals like to begin preparing immediately, so give them as many useful materials as you can gather. Particularly in Japan, with strictly enforced time constraints, the fewer interruptions during the depositions, the better.

Travel Wisely

Wherever in Asia your depos take you, you’re in for a long haul to get there. Travel is notoriously stressful and exhausting, so prepare as thoroughly for the voyage portion of your trip as you will for the time in your destination country. Remember the time difference is extreme (most of Asia is a full 12 hours ahead of EST, for a frame of reference), so if you can sleep on a plane, DO IT. If you can’t sleep on a plane, make the flight as relaxing as possible. Read a good book, binge-watch your favorite series (you’ve got the time) or maybe get to know some of your new, limited-time neighbors if you (and they) are so inclined. Lastly, stay hydrated! Skip the booze and sip water instead. You will feel much better upon arrival.

Planet Depos has reporters, videographers, and interpreters living throughout the Asia-Pacific region and has been covering depos in the area and beyond for well over a decade. The expertise is apparent from the scheduling process, with no detail missed, to the consummate professionalism in the deposition room. For questions regarding depositions anywhere in Asia or to schedule, call 888.433.3767 or complete the easy online scheduling form.

Travel Made Simple on Three Continents

by Suzanne Quinson | Jul 31, 2018 | 0 Comments

Hiroshima Castle in Japan

Japan is easy travel. Well, aside from the long flight, at least. And perhaps you enjoy long flights. Many people do. The important thing is there are no fancy preparations before your departure to or upon your arrival in Japan! There is no tourist visa required for stays of less than 90 days (do NOT forget your Special Deposition Visa!!). There are no required or recommended vaccinations, no unnerving recommended precautions (do always check those at the U.S. State Department’s handy page), and your passport need only be valid for the length of your intended visit, with one blank page for the entry stamp.

Once you have arrived in Japan and have rested from your journey overseas, check with your hotel or court reporting team for local must-sees and good eats. This is a country bursting at the seams with both. Whether your depositions are taking place in Osaka or Tokyo, you will not lack for delectable dishes or unique experiences. The strict hours at both the U.S. Consulate in Osaka and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo do give you a few extra hours in the day to play tourist, should you be so inclined. The on-the-ground reporting team can tell you how to maximize whatever available time you have for memory-making excursions in these beautiful cities and their nearby areas.

Germany keeps travel requirements minimal. No tourist visa is required for stays under 90 days. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and must contain two blank pages for stamps. That’s pretty much it. You don’t need any vaccinations to visit Deutschland, phew! Do check the U.S. State Department’s travel alerts page to be aware of any recommended precautions.

Panorama of Regensburg, Germany

Germany is a beautiful destination, with much to offer visitors, even visitors with little time for tourist activities. Eateries with scrumptious offerings are plentiful in Frankfurt, the only city where depositions can be lawfully taken. The metropolis is crammed with museums and fun attractions, and English is widely spoken in Frankfurt, making navigation easy. Again, the well-traveled reporting team is an invaluable resource for tips on what to do, see, eat and drink during your time in Germany.

Mexico is also an easy destination as travel requirements go. Yay! Provided your stay is under 180 days, there is no visa required. Your passport must be valid at the time of entry and contain two blank pages for stamps. There are no required/recommended vaccinations prior to travel to Mexico, which is always nice, since needles are not. Mexico will usually have travel alerts listed on the U.S. State Department’s website, so do peruse that page prior to your trip.

Mexico is a popular vacation spot, offering stunning beaches and resorts, along with good, colorful food and drink, and a vibrant culture to soak in and enjoy. Depositions are most often held in the capital of Mexico City, which alone presents a myriad of fun sites to explore. These include the ancient city of Teotihuacan (actually just north of Mexico City) and one of the largest parks in the Western Hemisphere, Chapultepec. Check with your hotel, or again, your court reporting team, for tips on getting the most out of Mexico during your time there.

A night shot of the Chichen Itza Pyramid in Mexico

It is worth mentioning that it’s highly advisable to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned return date before embarking on any international travel. Enrolling in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) with the State Department keeps you in the know when it comes to safety announcements. Check with your court reporting agency for more tips on international travel and enjoy your trip!

Planet Depos has been covering depositions all over the world for well over a decade. With reporters, videographers, and interpreters living in various parts of the world, they can provide coverage for depositions anywhere, as well as useful tips and information about your destination. For more information on international depositions or to schedule, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or complete our easy online scheduling form.

Leave Your Worries Behind When Traveling Internationally

by Suzanne Quinson | May 30, 2018 | 0 Comments

Traveling internationally is an event to enjoy, whether your travel is for business or pleasure. The trick to avoiding travel-related anxiety (and legitimate travel nightmares!) is to know what to expect and to prepare accordingly. Fortunately, there are a plethora of resources out there with a wealth of information on the various countries around the globe. This makes gathering the data you need a snap, preparation a breeze, and before you know it, you’re cruising down the runway headed to an exciting destination. Here are a few tips to make this scenario a reality before you jet off to your next deposition overseas.

Safety First – Here are a few precautions anyone traveling internationally should take, just in case.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Plan. This service (STEP) is free, and simply logs your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate. It takes next to no time to register and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to find you in the event of an emergency. You can also receive alerts on your phone once registered.
Check out the area. The State Department provides a thorough overview regarding security for each country. They also include common sense tips for avoiding troublesome scenarios while abroad.
Ask around for insights. Has a colleague or your cousin been to your destination before? See if they have any tips for you. Waaay back in 2002, my sisters warned me to avoid the metro while in Rome. We walked everywhere. Made for a better trip, and we avoided very skilled pickpockets!
The State Department does regularly update their travel advisory page as well, just FYI.

Practical/Itinerary Considerations – Unexpected snafus can mean no travel for you, so do run through this checklist.

Check your passport! Always make sure you have at least six months’ validity on your passport from your planned return date. Also make sure you have the necessary number of blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
Check (and double-check) visa requirements. If a visa is required for your destination, check processing times and follow instructions carefully.
Double-check any additional travel requirements.

The first three tips can be taken care of on the State Department website.

Review recommended health precautions, required vaccinations and the like. The CDC is very useful for this.
Let your bank and credit card company know you will be traveling and to expect to see transactions abroad, so they don’t send up the alarm and block the charge when you try to pay for dinner in Hsinchu or buy souvenirs in Amsterdam.
Check the weather! Pack accordingly! Also pack duplicates of all your travel documents, and keep separate from originals, in case of emergency.
Consider creating a Trusted Traveler Programs account to apply for Global Entry. This can greatly expedite security and customs!
Download handy apps for your destination country, like maps or currency converters.
Activate your phone’s global capabilities.

Make the Flight a Breeze – Flying can be stressful, and travel is draining in general. Here are some ideas to take off the edge a bit.

Arrive at least two hours before departure time for your international flight. There is nothing worse than arriving in the nick of time to reach the gate and seeing that long security line. Don’t do that to yourself. Be prompt!
Be prepared for waiting, possible extended layovers, etc. In other words, make sure when you book your flight, you allow time to not only recover from jet lag, but for unforeseen flight delays. Worst (best?) case scenario, caution means you have an extra day for sleep or to explore a new country!
Be prepared for long, boring flights (and waiting around in airports)! If you can’t sleep on a plane, have case materials handy to do some extra prep. Better yet, read! Bring a favorite novel, or a fun, humorous travel guide about your destination. Also bring headphones in case you are seated next to a Chatty Cathy.

Arrive and Enjoy! Get the most out of whatever free time you may have on your trip.

Ask the court reporting team what you absolutely MUST see while you are there.
Ask them for the name of the one restaurant you can’t afford to miss while you are there.
Don’t be afraid to try crazy local dishes! Barring any food allergies or other dietary restrictions, now is the time to be daring and sample some things you wouldn’t normally eat.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions all over the world for well over a decade. With reporters, videographers, and interpreters living in various parts of the world, they can not only provide coverage for depositions anywhere, but also useful tips and information about your destination. For more information on international depositions or to schedule, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or fill out our easy online scheduling form.

8 Exciting Things To Do During Your Deposition In Japan

by Suzanne Quinson | Feb 28, 2018 | 0 Comments

If your depositions take you to Japan, and you already reviewed your deposition checklist for Japan, do not miss the sights of this beautiful nation. Whether your depositions will be at the Consulate in Osaka or the Embassy in Tokyo, you’ll find sensational eating, shopping, and sightseeing awaiting. Be sure to schedule as much extra time as your calendar allows so that you can really enjoy your trip!

View overlooking Tokyo and Rainbow Bridge

Top Attractions in Osaka, Japan

Osaka Castle – well, obviously. This is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, after all. During cherry blossom season (typically April), the grounds are especially spectacular as they burst with frothy pink flowers.
Kaiyukan Aquarium – the world’s largest! An especially charming exhibit is the Arctic zone under the world’s largest dome-shaped ceiling tank, where seals “smile” at you from overhead!
Shitennoji, Osaka’s largest temple. There is a flea market on weekends as well, which makes for a fun daytime excursion!
Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori for more shopping, exploring, and food. This was once a theater district and is now a popular nightlife and entertainment area. You will find restaurants, arcades, and brightly illuminated signs. Definitely have some ramen from Kinryu Ramen – just look for the enormous three-dimensional golden dragon billboard.

Top Attractions in Tokyo, Japan

Shibuya Crossing is possibly the busiest intersection in the world, and certainly impressive to witness firsthand – you will practically feel the pulse of the city with all the foot traffic! And there is a Starbucks offering prime viewing of this practiced choreography, as well as your preferred latte. Or check out Coco Ichibanya’s Japanese Curry Rice if you would rather eat than caffeinate.

Golden Gai – offering a truly unique experience, the “Golden District” of Shinjuku is a small, concentrated area of intimate bars. Really intimate – they sit between 5 and 30 patrons, and most are on the smaller side of that scale.
Skytree, the second tallest human structure on earth, obviously gives great views of the city, if you’ve got the head for it — and the cash. The toll to go up is steep as well, but the view that awaits is worth it, as well as the eats on the restaurant floor. Try mabodofu from the Chinese restaurant, or enjoy a meal at the revolving sushi place!
Sensoji Temple is not only Tokyo’s oldest temple, but also boasts the city’s biggest souvenir market. Of course, there are also shops, restaurants, and cafes galore to keep you fortified, as you can easily spend a day here.

Japan offers a wealth of good times, so take advantage of the restrictive hours for taking depositions at the Embassy or Consulate, and create a few unique memories.

Schedule your Japan Deposition

Ready to schedule a deposition in Japan? Our international scheduling team is always available for you, just fill out our international request form, or call us at 888.433.3767.

Travel Adventures: Food on the Go

by Trevor Price | Jul 19, 2017 | 0 Comments

My personal favourite part of visiting new countries is trying new food. I’m usually willing to try almost anything, so I’m pretty adventurous.

Every once in a while though, you run into a dish that requires an extraordinary amount of bravery or, as I’ve heard it described, stupidity.

What you are seeing in this picture is stinky tofu, and on a recent trip to Hong Kong, I ingested this crazy local street food dish.

For a very long time I’ve walked around Hong Kong and occasionally smelled something so revolting I just began calling it “Hong Kong Smell” and, I’ll be honest, I chalked it up to sewage.

So imagine my surprise when a group of people standing in line behind me at a food stall smelled just like it! We got in a conversation and I learned that all this time it’s been stinky tofu that was the culprit.

Of course, moments later I was paying my 5HKD (about $1 USD) and taking a bite!

The verdict… not that bad! I’ll be back for more next time I’m down in my favourite street food city.

On a related note, the Michelin Guide to Restaurants, if you’re not familiar with it, is a listing of the greatest restaurants in the world. I have no idea how they decide, but recently they released a Michelin guide to Hong Kong street food. I still have a few to visit, but maybe I’ll write my own reviews once I’ve finished them.

Travel Adventures: The Naked Man Festival in Japan

by Trevor Price | Jul 5, 2017 | 0 Comments

On February 10th, a series of happy accidents that stemmed from a trip to Nagahama for an Ume plum bonsai exhibition of all things left me in Nagoya wondering what to do the next day.

We were on a castle tour, as we sometimes are, and Nagoya had to get crossed off the list, but castles don’t usually take all day, and I was exploring the internet for some of the other things Nagoya had to offer. It turns out Nagoya was offering something truly special.

As Japan ramps up its tourism efforts before the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, the quality of information you can get about different Japanese cities has increased dramatically, and Nagoya is no exception. As is the case with almost everywhere in this country, each city seems to have a reputation as being all business and no play, but if you do some searching, there is almost always something amazing to see or do no matter where you go.

It just so happened that our timing was, as usual, uncanny. On February 11th, Konomiya, near Nagoya, would be holding the Hadaka Matsuri, sometimes known as the Naked Man Festival, one of the strangest festivals in the entire country.

I’ll give a quick rundown on the basics as I’m sure there is more accurate information out there on the internet.

The short story begins a few months before. Men volunteer to be “chosen” as the scapegoat for the festival, and one man is selected to bear the bad luck of all the attendees. He is called the Shin-otoko. He is sequestered before the festival for three days, and his body hair is completely shaved.

On the day of the festival, thousands of men dressed in nothing but a simple loincloth (called a fundoshi) arrive at the shrine. They make their way down the streets surrounding the shrine from all directions, and the entire neighborhood is flooded with men in loincloths, street food vendors, and interested gawkers.

The men are in groups representing different areas from around the Nagoya area, but sometimes there are some people that have come from much farther away. They come bearing bundled bamboo as offerings for blessings from the priests. This takes several hours to complete as each group enters the shrine, receives the blessings, and then runs out.

Then comes the wait. For the next couple of hours, the groups will await the arrival of the shin-otoko. The chosen man spends his day trying to make his way toward the shrine from outside in the neighborhood surrounding. The belief is if you are able to touch the chosen man as he makes his way to the shrine, you will transfer your bad luck to him for the next year. That’s what everyone is doing here!

It’s a bit of an inside joke that the harder you touch him, the better chance your luck is to be transferred properly. People don’t hold back much when they get a chance to smack him with all their might.

It’s not all bad for our hero though. He has a group of men equipped with buckets that spend the entire time defending our naked running man. They toss ice cold water attempting to ward off would-be slappers. Remember, it’s February! It’s cold enough already without freezing water being dumped on you.

When everyone finally makes it to the shrine, that’s when things get really crazy. The shrine itself is equipped with water hoses and spray nozzles that soak the waiting crowd of 10,000 or so fundoshi-clad men waiting for their chance to slap their bad luck away.

The shin-otoko enters and fights his way through the crowd while the shrine workers tie themselves to the inside of the shrine and climb over the crowd to get the black-and-blue chosen one and drag him into the shrine. As soon as he’s inside, that’s it. It’s all over and everyone goes home, frozen and laughing.

My experience was amazing! I came early enough that I was close to all the action as people brought in the offerings for the temple, and when the chosen man arrived, I was actually allowed into the ring where the action takes place. I was not close enough to get soaked with water though (thank goodness).

The atmosphere was pure madness, and yet I still had a local gentleman take the time to explain everything that was going on. He said he had never participated himself, but next year he was planning to participate since he turns 42, which is considered an especially unlucky year. Hopefully he gets a good smack in so he can avoid the bad luck!

Top Tips for International Travel: Passport Edition

by Planet Depos | Jun 7, 2017 | 0 Comments

By Katelin Myers

When it comes to adventuring abroad, it can be a stressful experience for anyone – whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned jet setter. With the increase in airport security measures, documentation requirements, and passport theft, preparing your travel papers before you take off can help alleviate travel headaches. Be prepared for your journey with these few tips:

Before you leave:

Leave a copy of your passport back home with family or friends, along with any other important information you may be bringing with you, such as your itinerary, driver’s license, hotel reservations, etc.

Keep a physical and electronic copy of your passport, driver’s license, and other documentation with you. If you are pickpocketed, then you’ll at least have copies back at your hotel (preferably left in a hotel safe), and on your phone, email, etc. Bring along other objects with your name on it (e.g. prescription bottles, mail, phone bill, etc.), as they can be used as a form of backup ID.

Locate the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy just in case of emergencies and report to them if your passport was stolen. You may also need to contact the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778/1-888-874-7793) if you cannot reach the Embassy or Consulate.

Keep all forms of ID and anything valuable on your person as much as possible, such as carrying them in an inside jacket pocket, money belt, or small purse (with zippers). Try to avoid the “touristy” look with fanny-packs, baseball caps, and big backpacks.

If your passport is stolen:

Notify all relevant parties immediately after the theft: local police, the U.S. Consulate/Embassy, your airline, hotel, and contacts back home.

Keep any documentation provided by the police and Embassy, as you will need it when heading back home. Extra copies should be made just in case.

Make sure to follow any instructions from the airlines regarding your return flight. Bring all the documentation you have proving your passport was stolen and anything to help confirm your identity. Also arrive early (and we mean very early) before your flight to allow extra time to get through check-in and security.

For more travel tips and assistance, please contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at international@planetdepos.com or call 888-433-3767.

Depositions in China…and Disneyland? (Updated 2017)

by Planet Depos | Mar 20, 2017 | 0 Comments

Updated by Katelin Myers

At Planet Depos, we often receive inquiries from clients regarding depositions in China. While China is indeed a member of the Hague Evidence Convention, depositions are not permitted there.

Technically, if one wanted to take a deposition in China, they’d need to receive permission from the Chinese Central Authority; however, that permission is not easily attained. Only one deposition has successfully taken place in mainland China, and it involved a heroin smuggling case in 1989. Further, the U.S. Government was given to understand that that permission should not be construed as a precedent.

American attorneys and other deposition participants should be advised of the real risk of arrest, detention or deportation if proceeding with a deposition in China.

To avoid those risks, there are a couple of viable alternatives for Chinese depositions; one of the most common is to have the willing witness fly to a nearby country, such as Hong Kong. Once in Hong Kong, the deposition can be legally taken as easily as one proceeds in the U.S.

Now, if a trip to Hong Kong doesn’t sound appealing to the deponent, an easy way to sweeten the deal would be to conduct the deposition near Disneyland. Yes, you read that correctly! Since the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland in Lantau Island, many Chinese citizens have a fascination with the theme park and often are willing to be deposed if counsel will agree to arrange for hotel accommodations near Disneyland.

Besides a potential trip to the Magic Kingdom, there are many benefits to taking depositions in this autonomous territory. From culture to entertainment to business, we’ve compiled the top reasons for taking depositions in Hong Kong:

Restrictions? I Think Not: Unlike China, depositions can be taken anywhere and at any time in Hong Kong. Just like in the U.S., the testimony of a willing witness can be taken at any location (conference room, office, etc.), over any means (phone, videoconference, etc.), and no permission is needed from the government.

Location is Key: As noted above, a witness can be deposed anywhere in Hong Kong, such as at a hotel, conference room, office, videoconference suite, etc. Plus, for attorneys planning to attend the deposition in person, there are many English-friendly hotels to choose from (the tricky thing is narrowing down all the options!).

Where’s the Money?: Hong Kong is currently one of the top ranked countries in the world for business (ranked #3) and is a hub for international trade. And as a leader in the global market, it’s also a hotspot for international depositions, arbitrations, and meetings. For attorneys tackling international cases, don’t be surprised if one of them takes you to Hong Kong!

So Much to Do, So Little Time: Hong Kong may be a central country for business, but that doesn’t mean its all work and no play! Along with Hong Kong Disneyland, there are many other sites to visit while you’re in the country: watch the sunset at Victoria Peak, ride the Star Ferry, hike the Dragon’s Back, explore museums or temples, and much more!

No Travel Fees!: Planet Depos currently has teams living all over Asia and can provide reporter, videographer, and interpreter coverage for Hong Kong depositions with no travel fees. Our local Hong Kong team can also provide logistical support and assistance whenever needed.

So before you book your flight to Asia, check with opposing counsel to see if the witness may prefer to take a mini vacation to Disneyland — or even Hawaii, another great option. With the ability to fly witnesses and attorneys around the globe so easily, it seems the ageless Disney theory is true — it’s a small world after all.

5 Top Hotels in Hong Kong

by Planet Depos | Mar 15, 2017 | 0 Comments

By Katelin Myers

In a previous blog, we provided some of the best hotel options for attorneys taking depositions in South Korea. This time, we’re heading to Southeast Asia and assembling some of the best locations to stay in Hong Kong! Hong Kong’s central business district is a common place to hold depositions and is also jam-packed with numerous hotel options – so much so that it’s a bit tiresome to sort through it all! For busy counsel with little time to sift, we’ve narrowed down the choices to our top five picks:

Conrad Hong Kong

- Towering high above the prestigious Pacific Place shopping mall, in the heart of the city’s business district, Conrad Hong Kong is directly connected to Admiralty MTR station. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui are just one-station away. They are home to five restaurants and bars, as well as a fitness center with a sauna, steam room, and massages. Room prices range from $465 to $776 USD per night.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

- Situated on Hong Kong Island facing the world-famous Victoria Harbour, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong redefines hotel luxury and offers facilities and amenities to meet your every need. Room prices range from $460 to $640 USD per night.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

- This iconic hotel is the epitome of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage. The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites offer magnificent views of the famous Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s skyline. A collection of nine outstanding restaurants and bars, including two with Michelin stars, a newly renovated club lounge that provides a luxurious all-day retreat and elevated experiences, and a Shanghainese-inspired holistic spa make this Hotel the quintessential “home away from home” for discerning leisure and business travelers alike. Room prices range from $550 to $850 USD per night.

JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong

- Revitalize body, mind and spirit when you stay at the 5-star JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. Located above Pacific Place and connected directly to the Admiralty MTR station with four-line interchanging, this downtown hotel offers easy access to the shops, dining and businesses of Hong Kong Central along with Lan Kwai Fong and Victoria Peak. Warmly designed, sophisticated hotel rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, deluxe bedding, modern amenities, and views over Victoria Harbour, the scenic mountains or the glittering downtown skyline. Dining venues range from a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant and an all-day restaurant with live kitchens to an alfresco seafood bar and a stylish lounge. Room prices range from $458 to $550 USD per night.

Novotel Hong Kong Century

- Novotel Century Hong Kong, located at the heart of Wan Chai, is offering 509 newly refurbished rooms and a new lobby. You can reach Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with an 8-min walk. The premium location provides easy access to the MTR Station and Star Ferry Terminal just 5-minutes away. The hotel is ideal for leisure and business travellers to Hong Kong in a short stroll to HKCEC and close to the city’s renowned attractions and shopping malls. Ocean Park is just 2 stations away and the hotel is surrounded by Michelin starred restaurants. Room prices range from $266 to $433 USD per night.

For more information on hotels, locations, or any other deposition needs in Hong Kong, please contact international@planetdepos.com, call 888.433.3767, or fill out our easy online scheduling form.

From Airport to Hotel: Traveling Abroad

by Planet Depos | Jan 25, 2017 | 0 Comments

By Neal Price

What a flight! You’re standing in baggage claim after having been squeezed in an airplane seat, herded like cattle through strange airports, and asked 100 odd questions from security guards for the last 24+ hours. Through a curious turn of events, what was supposed to be a rather easy flight from the U.S. traveling west to your Asia-Pacific destination, you have just endured flight delays and cancellations that re-routed your flight through London, on to Bangkok, and ultimately to your destination. You’ve been left stressed and beyond exhausted as you watch and wait somewhat patiently for your baggage to finally show up on the conveyor belt.

Once you have all of your bags and have triple-checked that you’re not missing anything, you start heading toward an exit to begin the final leg of your journey – from the airport to the hotel. You find yourself standing in a taxi queue waiting on the next available vehicle. Your driver seems nice enough as he loads your luggage into the trunk. You plop into the back seat of the cab and tell the driver the name of the hotel where you’re staying. All you get back from him is a blank stare through the rear-view mirror. You repeat the name of the hotel, but still no sign of recognition. The dreaded language barrier! You scramble through your bag looking for the hotel reservation that your assistant dutifully printed out for you. You hand the reservation to the driver, but you can tell he has no idea where the hotel is located. After saying something in his language, he hops out of the car with the printout and runs over to a fellow cab driver to ask for directions. After a few minutes of arms waving, loud talking, and some chuckles, the driver finally gets behind the wheel and speeds off to what you hope is your hotel.

Any delay getting to your hotel is the last thing you need after a harrowing trip to the other side of the globe. So what went wrong and how could it all have been avoided? Are there any options other than catching a random taxi outside of an airport?

Failure to Plan

With all international travel, it’s crucial that you do your homework before leaving your hometown. You need to know about visa requirements, travel alerts, hotels, how you’re going to get from your hotel to your deposition or meeting, what you’re going to eat, what you’re going to wear, etc. In all of your planning, don’t forget to plan for how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel, which is very easy to forget!

Options for Getting from Point A to Point B

The good thing about flying into a large metropolis with an international airport is that there are multiple ways for you to get from the airport to your hotel. With a little digging, you can find several options from which to choose.

Hired Car Service – Most large hotel chains have an outstanding concierge service that can arrange for a private car to pick you up from the hotel and transport you in a comfortable vehicle. Usually, this service can be pre-paid with a credit card or added to your hotel bill. You’ll just need to let them know your flight information, and they’ll be at the airport to carry your weary self to the front door of the hotel. Just don’t get too comfortable, or you’ll not want to get out of the car!
Arranged Taxi Service – If the private car service is a little out of your price range, you can easily have the concierge arrange for a taxi to pick you up. The vehicle won’t be as comfy, but you’ll still be able to rest assured that someone will be at the airport to help you and get you where you’re going.
Limousine Bus – Yet another option would be to inquire about a limousine bus, or shuttle, that runs on a routine route from the airport to the hotel. This might take a little longer as there may be stops along the way at other hotels, but the price is reasonable, and you’re still assured that you’ll arrive at the right place. Just pay attention to the driver’s instructions and don’t miss your stop, or you’ll end up back at the airport!

Don’t let the opening scenario be your story. Make sure to ask your court reporting firm that has assisted with setting up the depositions about transportation options from the airport to the hotel. With years of experience under their belt, they’ll be able to help you avoid mishaps that could leave you both frustrated and stranded.

The International Scheduling team at Planet Depos has assisted numerous clients with transportation needs, as well as printing, shredding, providing vetted interpreters, and the best in court reporting around the world for decades. Just let them know what you need, and they’ll get to work making sure your entire trip is as stress-free as possible. Call us at 888.433.3767 or fill out our international request form.

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Blog Category: Travel