For values > 300 USD, bank wire seems to be the best way. For example, aurumxchange.com will offer you a 1:1 exchange for a 10 USD fee, plus whatever you're paying for the wire itself. For > 500 USD this seems the only acceptable way to do it. Depending where you're sending the wire from, it can take > 2 working days.
For lower values you can expect the fees to grow, personally I couldn't find a reasonable way to do it. Let me know if you do
However, if you really want BTC, there are exchanges who will take direct USD deposits in certain countries. Or you can use Dwolla, Paxum, OKPAY... They won't give you LR, but will allow you to get your USD to the exchange.