Knowledge is power, but avoiding price discrimination costs time.
My attitude is use the internet to pick alternatives, or cough up, then tell the story.
For flights, expertflyer has uses for non-run-of the mill destinations. Then a multilingual speaker from the office can cut through the chaff, and use a 'local address' sometimes helps.
I confirm PD is alive and well in Hungary, even if you speak the language.
In Bali, they have 'Insurance' . But when people die - you can never collect - Reminds me of Thai Jetski scams(dont), or the Vietnam boat that sank drowning tourists - and hey - that insurance was doubly worthless.
Vietnam is a shocker. People born there pay a stiff visa fee, when some can come in for free (Russians). Same for tourist places and restaurants and hotels.
For car rental in .au - insurance included(but not tested) - economycarrentals.com , double up with ANZ card rental insurance. Then compare against brit sites.
For USA priced shoes, try shipito.com to remail them to aussie via Amazon. Ditto for software and itunes cards.
The top five rorts for Australians are:- (and I may be wrong)
Mobile roaming charges (Koreans seem to have the best deal)
cough exchange rates / Credit card fees on top ++
Insurance , Hire Car and Travel Insurance (Said Allianz is best of a bunch). But some o/s based competition is starting.
Resale price maintenance (Big 'name' hardware and software co's, shoes, auto parts and cosmetics, handbags)
Local bank loan interest rates and fees (which is why they are profitable).
Medical and Dental tourism is on the way UP. I make sure I have checkups when O/S and take non-controversial prescriptions for myself and others. I understand the Philippines makes a few just off-patent blockbusters and statins. I suggest it would be cheaper to fly some patients O/S and back for their anti-cancer treatments. Looky Here:
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) - Ex-manufacturer price