Can I buy a SIM card without a plan to activated my iphone 5?

Can I buy a SIM card without a plan to activated my iphone 5? - 1

Sure… If your phone is unlocked.

If it's NOT unlocked, you're going to have to buy a plan from the provider.

The only way to buy a SIM card is to buy one with service. To activate the phone any SIM card will do.