No, I use smartphones without the SIM installed. Of course, you can not use it as a phone. But your can use it as:
A flashlight
A clock
A calendarNow if Wi-Fi is working you can:
Surf most web sites.
Check your e-mail
Get the weatherBut if you want a SIM, you can get one for $1 from:
https://www.freedompop.com/I DO NOT endorse this company.
I had to order twice to get one. But if it works, you have some free calling some of the time. Sort of.
EDIT: A few phones do not use SIM.