If you're new here, this blog will give you the tools to become financially independent in 5 years. Here is how I did it and here is how I currently do it. The method is robust and replicable (no need to win the lottery, start a blogging business, or win at real estate), but not easy; much in the same way that a diet results in weight loss but is hard to follow persistently unless you set your mind to it. The key is to save 75%+ of your net income and invest it in income producing assets (bonds and dividend stocks). There is a "21 day" step-by-step plan for how to get to 75% in the left side bar. I try not to be too trite, so if I cover a topic, you will probably not see it again for a very long time, thus you may want to read the older posts here and here. Also, check out my answers to frequently asked questions and while you're at it, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via google or RSS.
With increasing costs of living in the United States, many [Americans] are looking to retiring abroad. I have lived in 3 countries and based on my experience of setting up base in a new country, the most important things are: First, learn the language fluently, second, respect the local culture (especially if you don’t understand it), and third, adopt some of the local culture to avoid feeling left out.
Very likely, anyone interested will already have adopted some of the culture already. After all, this should be the main reason for living somewhere in my opinion. Respect should be taken for granted, but for anyone with tendencies to inconsiderate/oblivious behavior(*), pay extra attention abroad. The language is crucial! Even though most of the world speaks English, you will never make the same connections to the locals as you would in their native language. in particular, some jokes can’t be translated!
(*) If you don’t know if that pertains to you, it probably does 
Well, that’s my two cents. Here is a nice thread discussion offshore retirement in greater detail than I can.
