Just past security in Terminal 1, Aruba Duty Free Stores sit on the main path to the US gates.
You hit this shop right after security in Terminal 1, before the US-bound gates at AUA. It’s standard duty free: liquor, perfume, cigarettes, some cosmetics, and a rack or two of last‑minute souvenirs with “Aruba” printed on them. Prices are duty-free style, so spirits usually beat downtown supermarket shelves, especially on premium rum and whisky.
Most flights using Terminal 1 board in the morning and early afternoon, so the store tends to open early and stay running through the main US bank. You’ll see the usual big fragrance brands at typical Caribbean duty free pricing, plus a small wall of makeup and skincare. Stock skews toward bestsellers rather than niche labels, so don’t expect every rare bottle or limited-edition palette.
Alcohol limits follow your destination rules: for US flights, think one to two 1L bottles per adult in practice, depending on what CBP allows on arrival. Staff can pack liquids in STEB security bags for carry-on through the second screening before US gates. Cigarettes and cigars sit in the same section, with multipack cartons aimed at vacationers flying back through Miami, New York, or Atlanta.
One tip: if your gate is close, walk the store once before you sit down, note prices on the specific bottle or fragrance you like, then buy on the walk to boarding so you aren’t carrying glass through an hour-long wait.