Binondo is the Philippines' gold trading capital. Get 88–96% of spot price — significantly more than pawnshops. Best shops on Ongpin Street, current rates, and negotiation tips.
Binondo, Manila's Chinatown, is the oldest Chinatown in the world and the Philippines' most important gold trading district. Ongpin Street has been the center of gold buying and selling for over 400 years — long before modern pawnshops existed.
The Binondo gold market operates on tight margins and high volume. Gold shops buy at 88–96% of the international spot price and sell at 97–100%. This means you get significantly more for your gold here than at a pawnshop (which offers 70–85% as a loan).
The key difference: Binondo is for selling, not pawning. You permanently give up your gold in exchange for cash. If you want to get your jewelry back, go to a pawnshop instead.
The Binondo gold market is culturally significant — many Filipino families have been selling gold here for generations. The Chinese-Filipino traders who run these shops have deep expertise in gold valuation and are generally trustworthy, though you should always get multiple quotes.
Rates updated April 2026. Always verify current rates directly with the shop before transacting.
Know the current spot price so you can negotiate the best rate in Binondo.