I'm about to buy an UNLOCKED iPhone 5s and I don't want to pay for service. But I need a nano SIM card. Do I have to activate it?

I'm about to buy an UNLOCKED iPhone 5s and I don't want to pay for service. But I need a nano SIM card. Do I have to activate it?

The SIM card doesn't need to have service. As long as it works (i.e. Is not physically damaged and can be read) it should be fine.