Speratom - you were wise to limit your exposure. There are a lot of scammers hereabouts for sure, but there are also some good decent people, too. Helpful ones, even. I recommend you lurk, a lot. Here's some very good advice:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=119896.0It's a PITA to convert fiat to
BTC, but not impossible. Getting cash into the exchanges is also a bit spendy with the fees, especially wiring fees. But it's less spendy than losing a lot to scammers. Take heart that you lost relatively little compared to too many others. That said, I hope you get your money back from the bastard.
I know, we initially talked about 2 BTC, but I wanted to start with a small amount, I bet he didn't have the beginning of a bitcoin, else he could have gone for much more after the first 'test' transaction. As you see it's a kid, scamming me to scam addfocus, I mean.. Anyway I was lucky, I know.
I think maybe going local and meet the people would be a solution...