Good investments for permanent expats? (one UK, one US citizen)

[expatartist]

To all expats/experts in expat finances:

What kinds of investments would you recommend for a pair of expats - US and UK citizens - who don't plan to retire in their countries of origin?

For the next 2 years we're in Beijing, afterwards probably Singapore or similar where we can ramp up our savings a bit more. Eventually we'd like to retire in/around the Mediterranean, depends on tax rules in the region in the future - they're currently in flux.

Add'l info:
We have no significant retirement accounts in our home countries, and are aiming for FI independent of pensions.

Currently we have a townhouse in Sicily, paid for in cash, and are in the process of buying another. Before we leave Beijing we'd like to buy a flat in Athens. There are no investment options I am comfortable with in China.

This thread was helpful for expat investing https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/investor-alley/where-to-start-investing-when-living-abroad but is more Japan-centric. DH and I aren't anywhere-centric, really (aside from, I guess, one another).

We are looking for good non-RE investment options, so we're not 100% dependent on Mediterranean real estate, or the whims of the Euro and neighboring currencies. Any other long-term expats have ideas for good investment strategies for us? Would appreciate your perspectives, thanks.

[cynthia1848]

You might want to try offshore trusts in a friendly jurisdiction (e.g. Channel Islands, Cayman, Cook Islands, Bahamas, Liechtenstein, etc.), which would allow you to get into more liquid assets, equities etc., without income taxes.

You will also want to consult an estate planning lawyer with expertise in expats (the above jurisdictions may have some) because as a US citizen, you or spouse (whichever one is the citizen) will still be subject to US estate taxes at death.