Built by people who made the move.
Hop On Panama exists because the first time Franklin relocated, it cost him $47,000 in mistakes. Nobody should pay that tuition twice.
Why Franklin started this.
In 2015 Franklin relocated to Panama the way most people do: on his own, with internet research and good intentions. Between a "Rights of Possession" property that wasn’t what it looked like, lawyers who didn’t specialize, and a neighbourhood he’d never have chosen with better information, the mistakes added up to about $47,000.
He spent the next two years learning the systems the hard way — which attorneys to trust, which neighbourhoods to avoid, how banking and residency actually work for a foreigner. Then he started walking other people through it.
Today Hop On Panama is a small team: Franklin leading experiences and relocation on the ground, Vic running day-to-day operations in Panama City, and Ray building the digital side — including the Care Guide, the verified hospital and dental directory for Canadians — from Maryland.
Three things we won’t compromise on.
Locally owned, fully bilingual
Founded and run by Panama-based operators. Every guide speaks Spanish and English; most also Portuguese.
Experiences and relocation under one roof
Most operators sell a day. We’re built for the full arc — visit, decide, move, live. Nobody else in Panama works this way.
No property commissions, no overselling
We don’t earn on what you buy. The partners we introduce are named on the site, with their licence numbers, so you can check them yourself.
What happens if you get sick in Panama?
The Care Guide answers it with sources: verified hospital and dental contacts, what your province pays abroad, what the hospital asks for at admission, and an assistant that never quotes an unverified number.
- 35 facilities, every phone checked on the official site
- OHIP, RAMQ, MSP and every other plan, with the ministry source
- Dental prices against Toronto quotes
“I'm from Ontario. What will OHIP pay if I'm hospitalized in Panama City?”
“Which hospital has an English-speaking international desk?”
“Is it worth flying down for two implants?”
Ready to see Panama for yourself?
A free 20-minute call with Franklin. No pitch; just your questions, answered by someone who lives there.
