Those wanting to their iPhone 5 soon would probably be getting it from the first wave countries such as Singapore. While it is simple to think that a Nano SIM can be cut out from a standard Mini or Micro SIM, think again.

Giesecke & Devrient, the makers of the Nano SIM says that this is not possible. They have mentioned:

“As you surely know some people have cut down a “conventional” SIM (2FF) in a MicroSIM (3FF) with a knife or with a pair of scissors. Sometimes it has worked, sometimes not. Reason that this method functioned was that the 2FF and the 3FF SIM card has the same thickness. The thickness of the Nano-SIM is reduced by about 15 percent – so we think that a reducing only in size is not working.

Backward compatibility with older device models is ensured by an adapter solution that allows the Nano-SIM to be integrated into all established mobile devices for universal use.”

The thickness of standard SIM cards is 0.76mm, which is the reason why self cutting or SIM puncher makers work well to convert mini-SIM to micro-SIM. However the new nano SIM is only 0.67mm thick. While there’s a small chance that you can force it to fit by shaving some thickness off but you would risk having the SIM card damaged or worse, having it stuck on the nano SIM tray.

It is recommended to get the proper nano-SIM issued from telcos but so far nobody has announced its availability yet. The local telcos should consider offering it soon since there are number of Malaysians are getting their iPhone 5 from oversea sources.