Taipei hosts numerous depositions every year. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind when planning your depositions in this lovely city. Situated at Taiwan’s northern tip, Taipei is the nation’s political as well as economic and cultural center. When the Chinese Communist Party took over mainland China in 1949, the Republic of China government moved to Taiwan and named Taipei the provisional capital. Taiwan’s government is still today based in Taipei, a city rich in technology.
Selecting a venue and organizing exhibits: As the nation’s economic center, Taipei has many hotels and
offices from which to select a conference room to take your depositions. Security is an important factor to consider when selecting a location to host your depositions. Will you be able to lock the conference room each night, keeping equipment and documents safe? Most hotels include business centers equipped to print any exhibits for your depositions. If, however, your exhibits overwhelm your hotel’s business center, one of Taipei’s many print services can get the job done and have the exhibits delivered to your hotel or other deposition location. Some even offer shredding services and will pick up your documents at the conclusion of your depositions and destroy them.
Locating a qualified interpreter: Most first-rate interpreters in Taiwan live in Taipei, although as a general rule, the best interpreters stay quite busy, and it is best to book as far in advance as possible to ensure you have qualified coverage. Be sure that the interpreter you select is experienced in legal depositions, particularly in the subject matter of your case. It is a good practice to interview prospective interpreters before the depositions to ensure that they are familiar with the terminology.
Finding a U.S.-certified court reporter and videographer: 
There are U.S.-certified court reporters and videographers currently living throughout Asia, including Taipei. Court reporters can provide realtime, as well as supply additional laptops should the attorneys wish to view the feed. In the event attorneys are attending via videoconference, the videographer can also act as technician to ensure there are no technical issues.
Visa requirements: There is no visa required to visit Taiwan, provided your visit will be only 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Taiwan, and you must provide proof of return or onward travel upon arrival in Taiwan. It is recommended that you have no less than 6 months’ validity on your passport when traveling internationally. Since the U.S. maintains unofficial relations with the nation of Taiwan through the American Institute in Taiwan, there is no Embassy or Consulate in Taiwan. However, the American Institute in Taiwan performs U.S. citizen and consular services at the embassy or consulate.
Getting around in Taiwan: One important note to keep in mind is that Taiwan is a cash society, and finding ATMs for international withdrawals can be a real challenge! When you do locate an ATM, make note of where you found it, and withdraw as much cash as possible at a time to reduce bank transaction fees. While hotels, most restaurants and larger stores will accept most major credit cards, cab drivers and smaller stores will not, as a general rule. If you have any Taiwanese currency at the end of your trip, make sure to exchange your currency before leaving the country. Changing Taiwan’s currency can be next to impossible outside Taiwan.
