Originally Posted by
lazard
I have the same experience whenever I visit the HK branch of my bank. Cantonese and English in the office. English with clients unless they're from China. Locals despise the mainlanders and their mood typically sours if you start conversing with them in mandarin. If you can't speak Cantonese, you're better off with English (unless you can pull off the rich mainlander look).
Though I said up-thread that I was admonished (yes, I'm Caucasian) for speaking Mandarin in other parts of the world, in Hong Kong, generally in the New Territories, I haven't always had a choice. However, the other party is usually more appreciative than any other adjective, and I at least thank him/her in Cantonese.