Originally Posted by
fraserm
For one to book a fare in a different (cheaper) country, does the RTW need to depart from that country, or simply need to be paid for in that country?
Yes, it also needs to depart from that country.
Originally Posted by
fraserm
Does anyone have a suggestion where to start a RTW for someone living in AUS.
I'll state the obvious. AUS.
Now if you are asking where in the world are the least expensive RTW tickets then that would depend in what class you wish to travel. I understand Mauritius is one of the lower priced starting points and runs about $7400 for an AONE4 at current exchange rates and conversion fees (excluding taxes and fees). Now you would have to pay or use miles to travel half way around the world to start your RTW trip from there, and then return from there at the end of your RTW trip. If that is worth it from a time and money standpoint, then go for it. Economy fares AUS-MRU on AA/BA run between $3100-4700.
Others who have been following this would have better answers, or you can read through recent threads on this subject since that is where my information came from.