Since you appear to be in Canada (cdn_traveller, AC Elite), you should be aware of the famous 'Canadian exception' to the usual RTW ticketing rules. In general, you can buy a ticket anywhere for an RTW trip starting anywhere -- but the price you pay is the _higher_ of (a) the price at the buying point or (b) the price at the starting point. However, due to Canadian law, you can buy a ticket _in Canada_ and pay the actual local price of your starting point (converted to $C) -- which may be much, much less than the Canadian price.

You can then buy a separate ticket to get you to, and home from, the place you want to start the RTW. As another poster has mentioned, the total price may still be less than the cost of buying the RTW at the starting-from-Canada price. Also, you have the convenience of dealing with a local travel agent (or Air Canada desk), and you'll have everything issued and in order before you leave home -- saves having to pay for the RTW by remote control, getting the tickets posted to you or collecting them on the spot (what if there's a problem?) etc., etc.

The exact best place to start the xRWSTARx depends of course on what sort of itinerary you have in mind, as well as where in the plane you want to sit. WBT's handy-dandy spreadsheet will be very helpful in your decision-making process.

cheers,

Henry