I lived abroad myself for many years. I know that in MOST countries -you can get credit cards as long as you have a in-country address and they will go of of your income rather than credit history as they have no access to US credit scoring system. These cards will also travel with you if you ever decide to move back to US.
I myself have 2 HSBC cards as well as a BNP credit card that was opened in Hong Kong and Egypt respectively. I still use these cards today and there was no credit information used in their approval process (at least not US based credit approval). Just a thought! I love those cards, by far some of the best service and GREAT CL...
If you need some more info on how to apply, etc: PM me and Ill give you some help.
If you are military, get the AAFES card & then a year later try for the combined AAFES/Chase card.
Something I have done in the past is use a relatives address; I use my mom's since it is listed as a previous address. After I receive the card, I call and change the address. I have noticed they don't care about the address after you have been approved.
Current Score: EX 772 EQ 777 TU 783 15 Jan 17