Android phones, apps and tablets

So, I posted this a couple of days ago but (a) the problem persists and (b) I know slightly more about the issue.

When I try to use skype on my phone (HTC sensation XE, Android 4.0.3) it doesn't work. It doesn't matter if I'm using the 3g network or a strong wifi connection, it also doesn't matter what account I use - neither of mine work. For the past few days every time I try to log on it says "skype has stopped working: would you like to sign in again or exit skype". A few days before that I got a message saying that the SMS rate could not be retrieved even though I could happily send SMS via skype on my computer.

can anyone think of a solution? I have reinstalled skype and am currently installing system updates but as yet no luck. It would be really good to solve this as I'm in Indonesia, my GF is in Peru and for the next 3 months this is likely to be our best, f not only means of communication.

Alternatively does anyone know of any apps that allow me to **send texts over the internet? ** I've got whatsapp but I need it to send to an olschool, non-internetty mobile in Peru? I'm happy to pay if it works.

Mighty-Text, install on android phone, can type away on your PC and send via your phone. Might not be what your after though.